This is an 8* TOP NL PLAY on the Marlins.

Despite Walker Buehler being on the mound for the defending champs, I think that LA finally stumbles here after nine straight victories, including a 5-1 victory in the Nation's capital yesterday.

The Marlins have been trading wins/losses over their last five games and after yesterday's tight 8-7 defeat in Atlanta, I look for this pattern to continue (all three games vs. the Braves were decided by a single run.)

Buehler (8-1, 2.35 ERA) has been unbelievable this year, but I think his couterpart Trevor Rogers (7-5, 2.14) can match him inning for inning.

Rogers will be extra motivated here as well after taking a loss vs. the Phillies last time out, despite allowing only two runs and striking out nine over seven innings.

The Fish are 7-2 in their last nine when coming off a loss in which they allowed eight or more runs in as well.

I think there's great value here on the home side to pull off the upset in the opener of this series.

The play is MIAMI.

Good luck, NP