Marlins Chase For A Playoff Birth

In 2020, the Miami Marlins made the playoffs for just the third time in team history. Being that it was just the third time in the 28 years of the franchise, and the success of the last two trips, the city and fans were ecstatic. However, in 2020, the stands were empty, the season was cut short to a 60-game regular season and there was a 16-team playoff. Now, just three years later, the Marlins have the chance to make the playoffs again, and prove that 2020 wasn’t a fluke.

THE 2020 MIAMI MARLINS ARE POSTSEASON BOUND. #JuntosMiami pic.twitter.com/TEdhm6mk4y

— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) September 26, 2020

The Road to the Wild Card

Sitting at 81-75, just a half game out of the last wild card spot, the Marlins need to finish strong. The line for a playoff spot is long, as currently five teams race for the last spot. Though, the Marlins final six games may be what gives them an advantage. Playing both the New York Mets and Pittsburgh Pirates, Miami’s opponents combined records are 149-168.

The Chicago Cubs, who currently hold the last wild card spot, face two tough opponents in the Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers. Both team’s records combine to be 189-125. Every spot is up for grabs, but the Philadelphia Phillies have a strong hold of the first wild card spot. Philadelphia clinched a playoff berth Tuesday and are six games ahead of the final two teams.

On the other hand, the Arizona Diamondbacks and Cubs have their spots ripe for the picking. Miami has made a strong push for the Cubs’ spot, going 6-4 in their last 10 while Chicago has gone just 4-6 during that span.

A Hidden Challenge

Though the schedule looks easy for the Marlins, it may be deceiving. On the season, the Marlins are 3-7 against the Mets, being outscored 39-20. On top of that, weather delays in New York canceled Tuesday’s game, forcing a doubleheader to be held today. The team will have to play their best brand of baseball while also enduring a tough challenge of playing six games in five days.

Tonight’s game against Miami has been postponed due to weather-related field conditions. It will be made up as part of a single admission doubleheader tomorrow, Wednesday, Sept. 27 beginning at 4:10 p.m.https://t.co/liebzyer2J

— New York Mets (@Mets) September 27, 2023

The Good

On a positive note, Miami’s final two opponents are a combined 8-12 in their last 10 games. Moreover, the Mets are on a four game losing streak. Also, the Cubs continue to shoot themselves in the foot. Tuesday night, a crucial fielding error in the bottom of the eighth inning by Chicago outfielder Seiya Suzuki helped the Braves complete a comeback from down 6-0.

https://twitter.com/FishOnFirst/status/1706852363099570651

With the season winding down and the playoffs within reach, the Marlins will have to dig deep when it counts, hoping to clinch their fourth playoff berth in franchise history.

First pitch of Miami’s doubleheader is at 4:10 p.m., while the second game is set to begin at 7:10.