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It doesn't take much to want to play against the Miami Marlins, and with Cole Hamels starting Monday, the Phillies look like an easy winner. The fact that the Fish are off a rare win Sunday makes things even more enticing as there have been only two instances all season that they have been on a win streak.
Here are my keys to the game:
1. Hamels - How has he lost to the Marlins, not once, but twice this season? Miami has only 12 wins all year! Hamels has certainly been a hard luck loser both starts as he's allowed just three runs in 14 innings. That's been the story of his career vs. Miami as Hamels career ERA vs. this division rival is 3.24, yet his TSR is 10-16 in 26 starts. Look for that to change here. It's incredible that Hamels has only one win in eight starts. Miami is averaging a pathetic 1.4 runs per game this season vs. left-handers!
2. Marlins' Woes - There are many to report. Before yesterday's 2-1 win over Arizona, the team had lost seven straight and 10 of its last 11. They'd been shut out four times during that span and held to three runs or less in every loss. Offensively, this team is beyond abysmal, averaging only 2.7 runs per game while batting .221. They are just 6-16 at home and 3-12 vs. lefties. What a horrible team.
3. X-Factor - Marlins starter Alex Sanabia is 0-3 with a 5.28 ERA his last three starts. He's allowed four runs in all of those starts while failing to go more than six innings.
Selection: The play is on the Philadelphia Phillies (1*)