versus

---

Being home is always comforting.

 

For the travel-weary Marlins, it seems like ages since they've played at Dolphin Stadium.

 

In the month of April, the Marlins have been home for just seven days, with six games. After concluding a three-city road trip on Wednesday in Chicago, Florida is off on Thursday before opening a weekend series with the hot-hitting Rockies.

 

"It's going to be April 28, and we've played six home games," noted manager Joe Girardi.

 

The Marlins were able to finish up their road trip on a high, beating the Cubs, 7-5, on Wednesday at Wrigley Field.

 

While ending up being 3-5 on the road trip, the Marlins hope to gain confidence from how they were able to hold off the Cubs.

 

"I think as time goes on, I think guys will realize we can stay in games, and hopefully that will transpire into getting more and more experience with it," closer Joe Borowski said. "So that, late in games, we can hold on to those games we should win.

 

Friday starts off a five-game home string.

 

Sergio Mitre gets the start for Florida. The right-hander won his first start of the season, but has dropped two decisions since. For the most part, Mitre has thrown well in his four starts. He has been hurt by the long ball, surrendering five home runs.

 

The Rockies, who rank among the league leaders in several offensive categories, are starting left-hander Jeff Francis.

 

Francis has faced the Marlins once in his career, and he collected a win.

 

Pitching matchup

COL: LHP Jeff Francis (0-2, 5.16 ERA)

After casting about through his first three starts, Francis was at his best Sunday, giving up one run on four hits through 6 2/3 innings in a game the Rockies won in extra innings. He used his changeup effectively, consistently fooling the Giants with it, and he had command of all his pitches, taking an aggressive approach on the mound with him.

 

FLA: RHP Sergio Mitre (1-2, 4.56 ERA)

A pair of home runs to Phillies slugger Ryan Howard led to Mitre suffering a loss in his last outing. Even in defeat, Mitre was able to log six innings, while throwing a season-high 103 pitches. In 23 2/3 innings, the right-hander has struck out 18 while walking nine. He walked four at Philadelphia. In his first four starts, Mitre's shortest stint was 5 2/3 innings.

 

Player to watch

Rockies third baseman Garrett Atkins ranks among the National League leaders in hitting, batting .365. A year ago, Atkins hit .286 against the Marlins.

 

On the Internet

MLB.TV

Gameday Audio

• Gameday

• Official game notes

 

On television

• FSN

 

On radio

• 560 WQAM, 1140 WQBA(Espa?ol)

 

Other things to look for:

 

•Jeff Francis is most famous for: Being a halfway decent pitcher out of the Rockies system

 

•Sergio Mitre is most famous for: giving up 1 big homerun in almost every outing this season

 

•Will the Marlins bats stay awaken.... yes I doubt that makes much sense

 

•Remember the Blake Street Bombers?

 

•No Todd Helton, No Problem or Muy Problemo?

 

•Can Mitre avoid that 1 bad 1/3 of an inning?

 

•Who will start in CF

 

•Seriously guys, this is the Rockies... what have they ever done since their birth?

 

All this and sooooo much more, tonight as the Florida Marlins take on the Colorado Rockies live live LIVE at Dolphin Stadium

All this and sooooo much more, tonight as the Florida Marlins take on the Chicago Cubs live live LIVE at Wrigley Field

 

:blink:

 

Should be interesting how the pitchers fair against the young, talented, Rockies' hitters.

:marlins

Win Please. K. Thanks.

GO FISH!

The "Other things to look for:" is back!

 

 

:notworthy

Home SWEET Home.... GO FISH!!!

 

All this and sooooo much more, tonight as the Florida Marlins take on the Chicago Cubs live live LIVE at Wrigley Field

 

:banghead

 

Why do will still have Mitre is a Cubbies Uni?

 

:banghead

All this and sooooo much more, tonight as the Florida Marlins take on the Chicago Cubs live live LIVE at Wrigley Field

are you saying you think the Fish would do better at Wrigley?

 

 

good luck Fish...I will be attending the Carlos Mencia show on campus tonight...thats right, he's at my school...so win one while I'm not listening!

Lefty's first televised home game in SOUTH FLORIDA.

 

Win for sure.

Have we ever won the first game in a series?

Have we ever won the first game in a series?

 

We beat the Nats in that series opener, if I recall.

Have we ever won the first game in a series?

 

We beat the Nats in that series opener, if I recall.

 

I just checked Floridamarlins.com and it says we did win the first game. Thanks :thumbup . I totally forgot about that.

I hope the Marlins win on my birthday.

Might want to change the game thread: Brian Moehler gets the start tonight..

 

http://www.marlinbaseball.com/forums/index...0entry1126702

Might want to change the game thread: Brian Moehler gets the start tonight..

 

http://www.marlinbaseball.com/forums/index...0entry1126702

 

 

...

 

....

 

:boo-woo

true ^

 

GO MARLINS!

?Seriously guys, this is the Rockies... what have they ever done since their birth?

 

 

 

Don't underestimate them this season. Holliday and Atkins are really dialed in this year and Sullivan has improved on his hitting these last few games. Hopefully we can out duel them in an offence Vs. offence game cause Francis and Moehler might be out of the game before the 5th

Maybe a miracle will happen. GO MARLINS!

Tonight the Night Moe gets a good start? I sure hope so... If he doesnt hes done , they will send him to the pen!

I hope Moe does bad and we win. I want him out of the rotation and in the pen (on another team :lol )

Ramley

Uggla

Miggy

Hammer

Jake

Olivo

Aggy

Reggie

Moe

I hope Moe does bad and we win. I want him out of the rotation and in the pen (on another team :lol )

 

when moehler does bad, he does bad enough to not be able to even sniff a lead for the marlins

anyone having mlb.tv issues?

I should marry Brad Hawpe. I would be Holly Hawpe. That has a nice ring to it.

Go Marlins woooo whoooo!!!