Preview: Take this show on the road

The San Francisco Giants have won three series in a row, and three of their first four to open up the season. And it’s not like they’re merely feasting on poor opponents — two of those wins came against the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds.

Now, after a six-game homestand, they’re back on the road, and it’s time to prove it’s sustainable. A good record after 12 games has you thinking that hey, maybe the Giants actually are good. But a good record after 15 games? Well it has you thinking the same thing, just with a little more pizzaz and confidence.

Series details

Who: San Francisco Giants vs. Miami Marlins
Where: LoanDepot Park, Miami, Florida
When: Friday (4:10 p.m.), Saturday (3:10 p.m.) and Sunday (10:10 a.m.)
National broadcasts: None

Where they stand

San Francisco Giants

Record: 8-4, 2nd in the NL West
Run differential: +6, 5th in the NL
Postseason standing: Sole possession of the first wild card

Miami Marlins

Record: 5-7, 3rd in the NL West
Run differential: 0, 7th in the NL
Postseason standing: On the outside looking in

Three Giants to watch

Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images

Evan Longoria: Even in a small sample size, I don’t think many people would have given Longoria a good shot at being the Giants most valuable position player, but that’s what he’s been so far this year. He leads the position players in home runs (4), wRC+ (178), and fWAR (0.6), and has looked strong defensively. The Giants are trusting him against both lefties and righties, and he’s rewarding that confidence.

Keep swinging a hot bat, Longo.

Alex Wood: Wood might have been my favorite pickup for the Giants this offseason. He’s a player who has been an All-Star caliber pitcher when healthy — he’s just had a hard time staying healthy. It’s fitting, then, that he began the year on the Injured List, but he’ll be making his season debut on Sunday.

Mike Yastrzemski: Yaz started the season very slow, but he’s been finding his rhythm lately. His plate appearances are starting to look very smooth and balanced, and his timing and eye are both coming around. He feels primed for a breakout.

Three Marlins to watch

Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images

Adam Duvall: Former Giant watch! Duvall is on a tear to start the season with his new team, with 2 doubles, 4 home runs, and a .973 OPS.

Jazz Chisolm: Chisolm is more than just a great name; he’s also been one of the hottest hitters in baseball this year. The left-handed rookie is hitting .259/.400/.630, with 7 walks in just 35 plate appearances. He’s also stolen 3 bases without being thrown out, so he’s capable of beating the Giants in multiple ways. It’s always fun to see one of a team’s top prospects in action.

Sandy Alcántara: The Marlins don’t have a great pitching staff, but Alcántara has a lot of talent, and the 25 year old is clearly getting better each year. The right-handed pitcher is off to a very strong start to the year, and the Giants will try and put an end to that.