Matt Wisler (5-2, 4.44 ERA) and Jose Urena (1-5, 4.37 ERA) are on the hill in the first of a four-game series between the Atlanta Braves (48-60) and the Miami Marlins (43-65) at Turner Field. Action begins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Thursday, Aug. 6 and can be seen on FSFL and SPSO.
Wisler pitched 4.2 innings in his most recent start, surrendering seven runs, striking out three and walking one in a 12-2 defeat to the Phillies. A.J. Pierzynski (.302, 28 Rs, 7 HRs, 34 RBIs) went 1 for 3 yesterday. Urena went 5.0 innings, surrendering four runs (one unearned) and striking out two in a 5-3 defeat to the Padres in his last outing. Dee Gordon (.329, 48 Rs, 1 HR, 25 RBIs, 34 SBs) has been successful at the plate, going 2 for 5 yesterday with one RBI.
Atlanta is a -120 favorite against Miami and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at seven runs. The Braves have an overall money line of -219 and a record as the favorite of 12-9. Atlanta has gone winless in its last 10 as the favorite. The Braves are one of the best in the MLB in terms of extra base hits with 253. Atlanta strikes out the least of any team in the NL, with only 6.8 per game. Atlanta’s pitching staff has been doing poorly against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, allowing an average of 6.0 runs per game, well above its season average of 4.4.
As for their opponent, Miami is coming in with an overall money line of -2,095 and a disappointing record of 22-43 as the underdog. They have been on a bit of a dry streak over their last 10 games. They managed a 0-6 record when playing as the underdog. The Marlins have a dynamic offense, leading the league with 251 extra base hits. The Marlins are an excellent base stealing team with 72 stolen bases, ranking fourth in the MLB. The Marlins allow 4.0 runs per game, but have damaged those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 5.2 runs per game during that span. When it comes to preventing batters from getting hits, the Marlins are fifth in the NL on the road with an average of 8.2 hits allowed per away game.
The Braves have controlled the season series, 7-2. The Braves have a 40-49 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Urena takes the mound. Wisler (RHP) will be on the hill against the Marlins, who have a 34-51 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – Atl, O/U – Under
Notes
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta’s last 6 games.
Atlanta is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta’s last 5 games when playing Miami.
Atlanta is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Miami.
Miami is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing Atlanta.
Atlanta recorded at least two errors for the 12th time this season.
Having scored one run in their last game, the Braves are going to have to up their game if they want to win this matchup. The Marlins have a 17-2 record in games where opponents scored that many runs or fewer.
The Braves and the Marlins are both 9-42 when they are outhit.
Ranking 30th in home runs, Atlanta has hit 68 this season. Miami ranks 28th with 80 home runs.
Atlanta and Miami both rank in the top 10 of the league in hits. Atlanta sits at eighth with 8.56 hits per game and Miami ranks 10th with 8.43.
Atlanta and Miami both rank near the bottom of the league for their on-base plus slugging percentage. Atlanta sits at 27th with an OPS of .675 and Miami ranks 29th with an OPS of .673.
The Marlins are 19-40 when they allow at least one home run. The Braves perform similarly when they allow one or more homers with a 19-41 record.
