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First Inning As the Marlins prepare to face off against the Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field, fans are eager to see how the Fish will start this highly anticipated game. The Marlins have shown a pattern of starting strong in recent games, particularly in their matchup against the Rockies where they scored three runs in the first inning. This early momentum could be crucial as they aim to set the tone against a formidable Rays team.

<img src="/imgproxy/yYmyU6chHRHRo9k5QhzTtigREhAhMcqRCxqssvWam0c/rs:fit:800:800:false:false/aHR0cHM6Ly9zdG9yYWdlLmdvb2dsZWFwaXMuY29tL3dtdC1nYW1lcy1zZXJ2aWNlLzgxZTE4ZDU1OGJiMDY5ZDZjMzNlZjJhN2Q5MWY3NzdkLmpwZw==?image_id=b1727ec3-328d-4626-a23d-1ad115ca01f7" alt="May 18, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins pitcher Cal Quantrill (47) pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays in the first inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images" title="May 18, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins pitcher Cal Quantrill (47) pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays in the first inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images" /> The Marlins' lineup has been working on improving their batting average, which stood at .297 during their last victory over Colorado. With key players like Jazz Chisholm Jr., who has been instrumental in getting on base early, Miami will look to capitalize on any pitching mistakes from Tampa Bay's starters.

Middle Innings Moving into the middle innings, consistency will be key for Miami's pitching staff. In previous games, such as their narrow loss where they allowed only three runs across nine innings, both starters and bullpen have demonstrated resilience under pressure. The Fish's bullpen has been particularly effective with an impressive ERA of 2.25 and a WHIP of 0.25 over recent outings.

<img src="/imgproxy/A0wtmcfksUFxhhVizcpqaIZmB28QLmuwrF_cNdD1x3c/rs:fit:800:800:false:false/aHR0cHM6Ly9zdG9yYWdlLmdvb2dsZWFwaXMuY29tL3dtdC1nYW1lcy1zZXJ2aWNlL2FjNzc5MzRjZTQ2MTkzMGFlZTc5ZTAzNWY3NDMwOWJlLmpwZw==?image_id=2dde8278-7972-4319-8eb0-5e3503bc3ba9" alt="May 18, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe (8) steals second base in the sixth inning as Miami Marlins shortstop Javier Sanoja (46) covers the throw on the play at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images" title="May 18, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe (8) steals second base in the sixth inning as Miami Marlins shortstop Javier Sanoja (46) covers the throw on the play at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images" /> The challenge for Miami will be maintaining this level of performance against Tampa Bay’s aggressive hitters like Randy Arozarena and Wander Franco who can change the game's dynamics with one swing of the bat.

Late Innings As we approach the late innings, strategic decisions by manager Skip Schumaker could play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of this clash between division rivals. Historically, Miami has struggled slightly with closing out games when leading into these final stages but showed improvement by securing tight finishes recently.

<img src="/imgproxy/goOFfX4rfzZvJ39qjIwiNMaYZ7gTfm66BV3m1JMYjfw/rs:fit:800:800:false:false/aHR0cHM6Ly9zdG9yYWdlLmdvb2dsZWFwaXMuY29tL3dtdC1nYW1lcy1zZXJ2aWNlLzQxOTgyMzY0YWVjMTcwYmJjMzAzY2E5NTE1YTc4OTkyLmpwZw==?image_id=87cff40b-529b-4bd1-94ca-a9a91bfcc838" alt="May 18, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins catcher Liam Hicks (34) celebrates a two-run home run with shortstop Javier Sanoja, left, in the sixth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images" title="May 18, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins catcher Liam Hicks (34) celebrates a two-run home run with shortstop Javier Sanoja, left, in the sixth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images" /> Defensively, maintaining focus is essential; errors can prove costly especially when facing opportunistic teams like Tampa Bay that thrive on capitalizing from opponents' mistakes.

Fans should keep an eye out for potential pinch-hitting scenarios or defensive shifts that might give Miami an edge as they aim not just for victory but also building momentum heading deeper into June fixtures ahead!

Join us Saturday afternoon at 4:10 PM ET live from George M Steinbrenner Field or tune into FDSSUN network coverage! Share your thoughts about how you think our beloved Fish will fare against those pesky Rayhawks!

Alisa Williams

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