Stanton, Marlins can learn from series vs. Dodgers

MIAMI -- All signs point to a mismatch as the Marlins face the Dodgers in a four-game series this week at Marlins Park.

The Dodgers are loaded with proven, marquee-named talent. The Marlins are inexperienced and going through growing pains.

What can the Marlins learn from this series?

"We can learn if we can play with these teams," Giancarlo Stanton said. "You've got to beat them to show we can compete with them. The Giants kind of kicked our [tails] a little bit this weekend. But we got them at their place, which is usually harder to do on the road."

The Marlins dropped two of three over the weekend to San Francisco. Now the Dodgers, who are on a historic run, are steamrolling into South Florida. They've won 42 of their last 51.

"Are you going to show up today or not?" Stanton said. "Maybe if we whup on them one or two of these four, you know that we can compete with a team that has never been hotter in the history of the game."

Stanton came up with a key defensive play in the ninth inning in Sunday's 6-5 win over the Giants. With one out, Hector Sanchez singled to right, and Stanton cut the ball off before it reached the wall, which would have led to extra bases.

By keeping the runner at first, closer Steve Cishek got Buster Posey to tap into a game-ending, 6-4-3 double play.

"Little things," Stanton said. "Little big things, and for 27 outs. You can't get up for six innings, and let down. They're going to come back on you if you do."