Series Preview: Atlanta Braves vs Miami Marlins
Well, here we go again.
As redundant as a series preview of a team last seen just 5 days ago is, it’s even more redundant coming off a series loss against a bad division rival that also featured 2 shutouts, including a no-hitter.
It’s September, and the Braves offense isn’t getting any better. There isn’t much to do at this point other than hope for the best from the lineup that Fredi somehow draws up that day. As Alan has so brilliantly kept us up to date with the Braves’ playoff chances, it’s pretty obvious that Atlanta is still very much in the wild card race, with 4 series against sub .500 teams and a series with the wildcard rival Pirates. We also can’t ignore the 2 series against Washington, and the Braves’ strong play against them.
This series isn’t that much different from the one I wrote just last week. In fact, we’re facing two of the same starters again this series, which is bad news for the Braves, as Jarred Cosart takes the hill tonight. Cosart baffled the Braves on Saturday with 7 shutout innings with his particular brand of pitching to contact. Nathan Eovaldi was also solid in his start, with only a single run surrendered in 6.1 innings despite 9 hits. An Evan Gattis bomb was the deciding factor.
The best news the Braves can take from this is that they once again miss Henderson Alvarez, but for different reasons. Alvarez appears to have an oblique injury, and his start is likely to be skipped on Sunday. Look for swingman Brad Hand to fill in for Alvarez. Hand last pitched on the 1st against the Mets, tossing 3 innings in relief of Alvarez in wake of the injury. Hand has allowed a whopping 13 runs in 20.1 career innings vs the Braves, so naturally we should be on alert for a no-hitter.
2 out of 3… 2 out of 3…
Game 1:
7:10 PM EST, Friday, September 5th
Probables: Aaron Harang (10-9, 3.64 ERA) vs Jarred Cosart (12-8, 3.80 ERA, – 3-1, 1.64 ERA in 5 starts with Miami)
Game 2:
7:10 PM EST, Saturday, September 6th
Probables: Alex Wood (10-10, 2.92 ERA – 7-9, 2.71 ERA in 20 starts) vs Nathan Eovaldi (6-10, 4.19 ERA)
Game 3:
1:10 PM EST, Sunday, September 7th
Probables: Julio Teheran (13-10, 2.90 ERA) vs TBA