The Mets beat the Marlins at home in extra innings on Saturday. They’ve had a solid edge over the Marlins this year, leading 7-3 in games to date, however they face the Marlins’ ace on Sunday. The Marlins’ right-hander Alcantara has been a dominant starter this year, with a 1.82 ERA to date. He has faced the Mets twice this season. One of those starts was his worst in some time, giving up 4 runs over 7 innings. The other was a two run win. Alcantara has been light-out vs anyone not named Lindor, and pitches for great length consistently.

His opponent is no slouch this year. Walker (7-2,2.86 ERA) has faced the Marlins twice this year, allowing 4 runs over 12+ innings. He has been very fine in June, and is much better at home than on the road (1.86 vs 3.44).

The Marlins are a little like the “Mets light”, not quite as strong on offense and not quite as consistent in the pen. Alcantara is a big equalizer. He lost last time out to the Mets, and I would think that that game will be a motivator. Not to discount Walker, but he isn’t quite as consistent or overpowering. I am banking on a big game from Alcantara and the underdog Marlins on Sunday. Miami to win outright.