What happened: The Miami Marlins have matched the most successful June in Miami carries a winning record into the final day of the month and ranks among the National League's surprises through the first half.
Why it matters: The strong June has lifted Miami to 45-40 on the season, a notable turn for a club that has spent recent years near the bottom of the standings. A franchise-best-tying month keeps the Marlins in the thick of the same surge that pushed them alongside the Dodgers and Rays atop MLB in home wins, sharpening their playoff case as the calendar flips to July.
By the numbers: Miami sits 45-40 this season, scoring 4.3 runs per game and allowing 4.2, and has won four of its last five (WLWWW). The Marlins also hold the recent edge in their season series against Colorado, taking the most recent meeting 10-7 on June 29.
What to watch: Watch whether Miami can carry the momentum into July as it opens a road set in Colorado, where the Marlins (45-40) face the Rockies (33-52).