WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Interstat) — The Miami Marlins, riding a three-game winning streak after a 12-5 rout of the Athletics on Friday, face the host Athletics on Sunday evening at Sutter Health Park, where the first pitch is scheduled under clear skies and a forecasted 91 degrees.

Miami (47-42) holds a 6 1/2-game advantage over the Athletics (41-47) in the standings. The teams played to a 0-0 stalemate on Saturday, a contest that did not count toward the series result. Friday’s victory extended Miami’s momentum after splitting a four-game set in Colorado earlier in the week.

Players to Watch

Miami outfielder Kyle Stowers enters the series finale red-hot. In Friday’s win against the Athletics, Stowers went 4-for-5 with two home runs and three RBIs. Over his last 10 games, the left-handed hitter has collected three multi-hit performances, including a 3-for-6 effort with two RBIs in a 14-3 win at Colorado on June 30.

For the Athletics, first baseman Nick Kurtz has been a bright spot in the lineup. Kurtz went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs in Friday’s loss. Over his last three games, he is batting .333 (3-for-9) with two RBIs.

Recent Results

The Marlins have won four of their last five games, including a 5-1 victory at St. Louis on June 27 and a 4-0 shutout of the Cardinals on June 26. Miami’s offense has averaged 7.8 runs per game during that stretch.

The Athletics have dropped four of their last five, including a 7-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 1. Oakland’s pitching staff has allowed an average of 7.6 runs per game over that span.

Projection

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 5-3 victory for the Marlins.

Upcoming Schedule

Miami returns home for a six-game homestand beginning Tuesday against the Seattle Mariners. The Athletics travel to Detroit for a three-game series against the Tigers starting Tuesday.