San Diego @ Miami preview
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Last Meeting ( Jul 28, 2012 ) San Diego 2, Miami 4
Josh Johnson will take the mound Sunday for perhaps his last start in a Miami Marlins uniform. With the trade deadline looming, the two-time All-Star would be a worthy addition to a team that has its eyes fixed on the postseason. After posting just its second win in 10 outings with a 4-2 triumph on Saturday, Miami's primary concern is to wrap up a series win versus the San Diego Padres.
Former University of Miami stars Yonder Alonso and Yasmani Grandal continued their impressive series. Alonso had an RBI double and recorded his second straight multi-hit game after going 0-for-19 in his previous five contests. Grandal added a sacrifice fly on Saturday for the Padres, who saw their modest two-game winning streak come to an end.
TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, FS San Diego, FS Florida (Miami)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres LH Clayton Richard (7-11, 4.17 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Josh Johnson (6-7, 4.14)
Richard suffered his fourth loss in six starts after yielding seven runs on nine hits in five innings during Monday's 7-1 loss to San Francisco. The 28-year-old pitched well against Miami on May 5 - albeit in a loss. Richard allowed three runs and struck out seven in as many innings, but the Padres dropped a 4-1 decision.
After three consecutive difficult starts, Johnson was downright brilliant in his last trip to the mound. The Marlins' ace allowed one hit and struck out nine in six scoreless innings in Monday's 2-1 triumph over Atlanta. Johnson struggled mightily in his last outing versus San Diego, permitting six runs on as many hits in 2 2/3 innings in a no-decision on May 4.
WALK-OFFS
1. Miami's Carlos Lee is showing signs of snapping out of his funk. Lee collected two hits - including an RBI single - in each of his last two games.
2. Miami's Jose Reyes extended his hitting streak to 15 games with a two-run homer Saturday. Reyes, who batted third in the lineup for the second straight game, is 2-for-8 in his career versus Richard.
3. San Diego's Alexi Amarista went 0-for-4 after he returned to the lineup following a jammed thumb. He has yet to face Johnson in his career.