The Miami Marlins return to loanDepot park on Saturday, September 5, to host the Chicago Cubs in a regular season afternoon showdown. First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 PM ET, with Ryan Gusto getting the nod for Miami against Cubs right-hander Javier Assad. With September baseball in full swing, every game carries weight, and this one gives the Marlins a chance to take care of business in front of their home crowd. Catch the action on Marlins.TV presented by Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, or tune in on WQAM 104.3 (English) and WAQI 710 (Spanish).

Pitching Matchup: Ryan Gusto vs. Javier Assad

Gusto gets the baseball for the Fish in what figures to be a pivotal start. The Cubs counter with Javier Assad, a right-hander who has shown the ability to keep lineups off balance with a varied arsenal. Assad has been a reliable presence in the Chicago rotation, and Miami's lineup will need to be disciplined and patient to get to him early. How Gusto handles a Cubs lineup loaded with experienced bats will set the tone for the entire afternoon.

Chicago Cubs Lineup: A Dangerous Top to Bottom

The Cubs are bringing a legitimate lineup to Little Havana. Pete Crow-Armstrong leads things off out of center field, followed by Seiya Suzuki in the two-hole. Michael Busch hits third, with Alex Bregman — one of the more accomplished hitters in the game — slotted fourth. Ian Happ, Nico Hoerner, Pedro Ramírez, Michael Conforto, and Miguel Amaya round out the order. This is not a lineup Gusto can afford to pitch carelessly against. Bregman and Suzuki in particular represent genuine run-scoring threats capable of doing damage with a single swing.

Miami Marlins Lineup: Young Talent Gets the Start

Manager's lineup card for Miami features a young, hungry group. Kyle Stowers leads off at DH, with Heriberto Hernández hitting second out of left field. Griffin Conine gets the three-hole at first base, and Otto Lopez — a Swiss Army knife type — hits cleanup at shortstop. Jakob Marsee starts in center field in the five spot, followed by Owen Caissie in right. Joe Mack catches and hits seventh, Graham Pauley holds down third base in the eight hole, and Javier Sanoja rounds out the order at second base. This is a lineup built on upside. The question every time these young Marlins take the field is whether that upside shows up on a given afternoon.

Keys to Watch

• Gusto's command: Against a lineup as experienced as Chicago's, Gusto cannot afford to fall behind in counts. First-pitch strikes and working ahead will be critical to his success.
• Conine and Lopez vs. Assad: The Marlins' two best run-producing threats in this order are Griffin Conine and Otto Lopez. If those two can get on and drive in runs against Assad, Miami has a real chance.
• Crow-Armstrong on the bases: Chicago's leadoff man is a legitimate speed threat. Gusto and catcher Joe Mack will need to keep him from getting loose on the base paths.
• Bullpen depth: September rosters are expanded, giving both clubs more arms. How Miami manages the late innings — especially if Gusto exits early — could determine the result.

Prediction

This is a tough draw for the Marlins. Chicago's lineup is deep and experienced, and Assad is a capable starter who does not beat himself. That said, loanDepot park is home, the weather in early September in Miami is as Miami as it gets, and this young Marlins squad has shown it can play competitive baseball. Look for Gusto to battle through five innings, the Marlins offense to get contributions from Conine and Lopez, but ultimately the Cubs' lineup depth proves to be too much. Cubs 5, Marlins 3. Prove me wrong, Fish.