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That Balls Outta Here

Phillies Opposition Roadblock: Miami Marlins

By Mike Azzalina

Apr 23, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; Miami Marlins first baseman Justin Bour (41) celebrates with teammates in the dugout after hitting a three run home run during the sixth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; Miami Marlins first baseman Justin Bour (41) celebrates with teammates in the dugout after hitting a three run home run during the sixth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 19, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Edinson Volquez (36) throws against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Edinson Volquez (36) throws against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

The Pitcher: Edinson Volquez

With three pretty mediocre arms throwing this week, the Marlins may actually lose the pitching matchups on paper. But as the old adage goes, that is why they figure it out on the field. And the Phillies will have to win those matchups against Chen, Volquez, and Conley.

Although Chen has the veteran prowess and Conley has been pretty good in his short career against the Phils, I feel Volquez poses the biggest threat to the Phils. He is off to a slow start early in 2017 (0-2, 4.82). The Marlins have lost in three of his four starts so far. More scary is the fact that he has failed to go more than six innings in every start.

Sadly for the Phillies, this start may be the one to get the 33-year-old righty back on track. He has a very good track record against the Phils. Over the course of his 12-year, seven team career, Volquez has posted a 2.17 ERA over 37.1 innings against Philadelphia. He has struck out 36 batters in those innings. In CBP, he has allowed a batting average of .203 against him to couple with only one homer allowed in just three starts.

Volquez has always made his money off his changeup. It is the pitch he has used to get eight of his 21 strikeouts this season. Opposing hitters are only hitting .154 against it. His sinker, fastball, and knuckle-curve on the other hand? (.276/.308/.368 respectively).

Next: Four Storylines From Phillies Sweep of Braves

The goal should be to get to him early by making him bring his sinker up in the zone. If the Phillies are able to get him to bring that pitch up, they should have success on Wednesday night.

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