After the Miami Marlins and San Francisco Giants, each swept their last series, they will meet this weekend, playing three games starting on Friday. The Giants beat the tougher team and will be at home for this series, which could lead the MLB lines toward them.
Each team’s pitching staff started to find a groove in the last series while the offenses are finding success in different ways. The Marlins’ offense has been a little more balanced while the Giants rely more on players getting hot, which could play a factor in MLB live betting.
Marlins Eye Fifth in Row
The Miami Marlins have won their last four games, including a sweep against the Washington Nationals and the finale of a series facing the Cincinnati Reds. The pitching staff has done enough to keep games close, helping the team be a more reliable MLB pick.
WALK IT OFF, CUBANO GIGANTE. #MakeItMiami pic.twitter.com/AeHWjCP6hV
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) May 17, 2023
While the offense has not been amazing, it has done enough. Especially Jorge Soler, who has been the driving force of Miami’s offense. Despite having a batting average of .167 in the series against the Nationals, he hit two home runs, leading to four RBIs. One homer was especially crucial, headlining MLB news, being a two-run walk-off shot in Game 1.
Giants Finding Groove
The San Francisco Giants’ offense is starting to find its groove, scoring more than five runs in two games during the recent sweep, and one player has stood out more than the others. Over the last seven days, Michael Conforto has been seeing the ball well. He has a batting average of .417 with three homers and six RBIs.
Over the series sweep against the Philadelphia Phillies, Conforto had four of the team’s 17 runs batted in while hitting San Francisco’s only home run. If he can keep this going, Conforto could affect the MLB odds all on his own.
Starting Pitchers
Sandy Alcantara (1-4, 4.91 ERA) vs Anthony DeSclafani (3-3, 3.06)
The reigning Cy Young winner, Sandy Alcantara, has gotten off to a slow start for the Marlins. He has an ERA of 4.91, well above his 2.28 from last season. While Alcantara has held opponents to three runs or less in five of his eight starts, his bad games have been noticeable.
One tough outing came in his last start, going 7.2 innings and allowing six runs, but he did strike out nine.
Anthony DeSclafani will be taking the mound for the Giants for the ninth time, having a solid season with a 3.06 ERA. DeSclafani’s three losses came in his worst games, allowing three or more runs in all of them. However, the rest of the starts have been solid, allowing one run or fewer three times. He did struggle in his last outing, going five innings and allowing three runs.
Marlins vs Giants Head-to-Head
Both offenses are starting to find a groove while the pitching matchup should be intriguing. Alcantara will eventually round into form while DeSclafani has been constantly solid. MLB spreads should be very close in this game.
Marlins vs Giants Game Information
- Game: Marlins (23-21) vs Giants (20-23)
- Location: Oracle Park, San Francisco, CA
- Day/Time: Friday, May 19, 10:15 p.m. EST
- Marlins vs Giants Live stream: MLB.tv
Marlins vs Giants Betting Lines
Over/Under Pick
Even with two offenses starting to heat up, the pitchers should have the advantage in this game. On the season, these teams tend to struggle in the batter’s box while the pitchers have proven they can find success. While Alcantara facing DeSclafani won’t be a pitching duel, it should keep the total runs under the line.
Pick: Under 7½ (-125)
Moneyline Pick
The Marlins have been one of the hotter teams, going 7-3 over the last 10 games. The offense has started to figure things out, and having Alcantara on the mound should be an advantage. The Giants‘ offense could keep it interesting, but the Marlins still have the edge.
Pick: Marlins +103
Spread Pick
With the Marlins being the underdog in this game, they will cover the spread if they win. However, based on the pitching matchup alone, it favors Miami.
Pick: Marlins +1½ (-210)
