The Miami Marlins bring one of baseball's marquee franchises to loanDepot park on Friday, September 11, when the Los Angeles Dodgers come to town for a 7:10 PM ET first pitch. With the regular season in its final weeks, every game carries real weight, and this one is no exception. Ryan Gusto gets the ball for Miami. Los Angeles has not announced a probable starter. Fans can catch the action on Marlins.TV presented by Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, CW 33 WBFS, or locally on WQAM 104.3 FM.

Ryan Gusto Takes the Mound for Miami Against the Dodgers

Gusto draws the assignment in what figures to be one of the tougher tests available on the schedule this late in the year. The Marlins will lean on him to set the tone early and keep the offense in the game. Specific season statistics for Gusto are not yet available heading into this outing, so what he does Friday will speak for itself in real time. Watch his pitch mix and command in the first two innings — if he can work efficiently and avoid the big inning, Miami gives itself a genuine chance.

Los Angeles has not confirmed a starter as of this writing, which adds a wrinkle for Miami's advance scouting. Facing an unknown arm can cut both ways: hitters lose the ability to prepare against a specific pitcher, but lineup matchups also become harder for the opposing manager to optimize. The Marlins will need to stay disciplined at the plate regardless of who the Dodgers send out.

Keys to Watch in the Marlins-Dodgers Matchup

• Gusto's command early: Getting through the Dodgers lineup without a big crooked number in the first three innings is the baseline. Los Angeles is capable of putting up runs in bunches, so minimizing damage early is critical.
• Plate discipline: The Dodgers routinely run deep counts and work pitchers. Miami's hitters need to flip that script — take smart pitches, don't expand the zone, and punish mistakes.
• Bullpen management: With a late-season calendar and roster decisions looming, how the Marlins deploy their relief arms behind Gusto could define the middle innings.
• Home crowd energy: A Friday night game at loanDepot park with a national-caliber opponent on the field is exactly when the home atmosphere can matter. Miami needs to feed off it.

Prediction: Marlins vs. Dodgers, September 11, 2026

This is a genuine challenge. The Dodgers are one of the sport's most consistent organizations, and they do not give away games on the road. But home games at loanDepot park on Friday nights have a different feel, and a focused performance from Gusto could keep this one close deep into the night. Expect a competitive game decided late. Marlins 4, Dodgers 3.