White Sox, Marlins Set For Afternoon Rubber Match in Miami

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (Interstat) — The Chicago White Sox and Miami Marlins will conclude their three-game series with an afternoon contest Wednesday at loanDepot Park, with both teams looking to build momentum after splitting the first two games.

The Marlins (3-1) will send right-hander Sandy Alcantara to the mound. Alcantara, a former Cy Young Award winner, is 1-0 this season and provides a formidable challenge for a White Sox lineup that has struggled for consistency. Chicago (1-3) will counter with righty Shane Smith, who seeks his first win after taking a loss in his initial outing.

A key player for the White Sox is first baseman Miguel Vargas, who powered Chicago to a 9-4 victory on Monday. Vargas went 2 for 4 with a home run and a career-high six RBIs in that win. He will look to continue that production against Alcantara.

For the Marlins, catcher Liam Hicks has been a bright spot. He also homered in Monday’s game, driving in three runs, and hit a three-run homer in a win over Colorado on Saturday. His bat will be central to Miami’s efforts against Smith.

The series is tied after Miami’s 4-2 win on Tuesday followed Chicago’s offensive outburst on Monday. The Marlins have shown resilience early, winning two one-run games against Colorado before the split with Chicago.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the Marlins are projected to win a close one, 5-4. Miami has been installed as a pregame favorite with a spread of -1.5. The over/under for the game is set at 7.5 runs.

First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. EDT under cloudy skies with a game-time temperature near 78 degrees.

Following the game, the White Sox head home to open a series against Toronto on Thursday. The Marlins will have an off-day before beginning a road series against the New York Yankees on Friday.