Marlins Edge Dodgers in Thrilling Finish

What we said beforehand

The Miami Marlins will host the Los Angeles Dodgers at loanDepot park on September 13, 2026, in a matchup that has significant implications for both teams. The series is currently tied 1-1, adding an extra layer of intensity to this game. The Dodgers, with a record of 90-58, are in a strong position as they look to maintain their playoff push, while the Marlins, at 73-76, are fighting to stay relevant in the postseason conversation.

In their recent form, the Marlins have struggled, losing four of their last five games. Their last match against the Dodgers ended in a victory, with a score of 4-3 on September 12, but prior to that, they suffered three consecutive losses to the New York Mets, including a high-scoring affair that ended 15-14. Over their last ten games, the Marlins have a record of 3-7, averaging 5.7 runs scored per game while allowing an average of 6.8 runs.

Conversely, the Dodgers have been performing well, boasting an 8-2 record over their last ten games, even though they lost to the Marlins in their most recent outing. Before that loss, they had a three-game winning streak, including a dominant 14-1 victory against the Cincinnati Reds. The Dodgers are averaging 5.9 runs scored and only allowing 3.5 runs in their last ten games, showcasing their strong pitching and offensive capabilities.

At home, the Marlins have a record of 2-6 in their last eight games, while the Dodgers have been formidable on the road, holding a 7-1 record in their last eight away games. The Marlins' home games have seen them average 5.8 runs scored but struggle defensively, allowing an average of 8.0 runs in their last five home games. The Dodgers, on the other hand, have been solid away from home, with an average of 6.4 runs scored and only 2.4 runs allowed in their last five away games.

In their head-to-head meetings this season, the Marlins have a slight edge, winning three of their last nine matchups against the Dodgers. The most recent encounter saw the Marlins clinch a close victory, but the Dodgers won the previous game in the series by a score of 6-2. Historically, the Marlins have had mixed results against the Dodgers, with their last five meetings resulting in three wins for the Dodgers and two for the Marlins.

In terms of injuries, the Marlins will be missing several key players. Owen Caissie is listed as day-to-day with a hamstring issue, while Xavier Edwards is on the 10-day injured list with a thumb injury. Max Meyer and Anthony Bender are both on the 15-day injured list, with neck and lower leg injuries, respectively. Additionally, Ronny Henriquez is on the 60-day injured list due to an elbow injury. The Dodgers also have injury concerns, with Roki Sasaki and Edwin Diaz on the 15-day injured list, and Kris Bubic on the 60-day injured list with shoulder issues.

The betting odds from DraftKings reflect the Dodgers as the favorites at -142, with a spread of 1.5 runs. The total runs for the game are set at 8.5, with the over priced at -103 and the under at -117. The Marlins have a moneyline of +118, indicating they are seen as the underdogs in this matchup.

Weather conditions for the game are expected to be warm, with a temperature around 90°F. There is a 20% chance of precipitation, and winds will be gusting at 9 mph, which could impact play.

As the game approaches, viewers should watch for the performance of key players. For the Marlins, Otto Lopez leads the team with a batting average of .310 and has driven in 67 runs this season. Heriberto Hernandez has also been a standout with 24 home runs. The Dodgers will look to Freddie Freeman, who has a batting average of .295, and Shohei Ohtani, who has hit 30 home runs and has 80 RBIs this season. The matchup between the Marlins' offense and the Dodgers' pitching will be crucial in determining the outcome of this game.