Shelby Miller (5-8, 2.44 ERA) starts for the Atlanta Braves (51-60) as they square off against Brad Hand (1-2, 4.71 ERA) and the Miami Marlins (43-68) in the last of a four-game series at Turner Field. The Marlins lost the last game 7-2, continuing a six-game losing streak. Atlanta can finish out the series sweep with a win in this game. Action begins at 5:10 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 9 and can be seen on FSFL and FSSO.
Miller pitched 7.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering two runs, striking out three and walking three in an 8-3 defeat to the Giants. A.J. Pierzynski (.304, 30 Rs, 7 HRs, 37 RBIs) continued his strong play yesterday, going 2 for 4 with one run and one RBI. Hand went 4.0 innings, surrendering zero runs, striking out three and walking one in a 5-1 defeat to the Mets in his most recent start.
Atlanta is a -136 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 +23 and a record as the favorite of 13-9. Within its division, Atlanta has an 8-7 record as favorite and a 24-24 record SU. The Braves are one of the best in the MLB in terms of extra base hits with 263. 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 6.2 runs per game, well above its season average of 4.4.
In the other locker room, Miami is coming in with an overall money line of -2,355 and a disappointing record of 22-44 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 257 extra base hits. The Marlins are an excellent base stealing team with 73 stolen bases, ranking fifth in the MLB. The Marlins allow 4.1 runs per game, but have damaged those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 6.3 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 8.3 hits allowed per away game.
The Braves have controlled the season series, 10-2. The Braves have an 8-11 record against left-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Hand takes the mound. Miller (RHP) will be on the hill against the Marlins, who have a 34-53 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – Atl, O/U – Under
Notes
When leading after 7 innings, Atlanta is 23-31, while Miami is 20-37.
The Marlins are coming off of a weak pitching game where they recorded five strikeouts. The Braves have a record of 18-16 when opponents’ pitchers have that many strikeouts or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Marlins are 9-43. The Braves have a 10-42 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 30th in home runs, Atlanta has hit 69 this season. Miami ranks 28th with 81 home runs.
Atlanta and Miami both rank in the top 10 of the league in hits. Atlanta sits at eighth with 8.58 hits per game and Miami ranks 10th with 8.46.
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 .680 and Miami ranks 29th with an OPS of .675.
When the Marlins allow at least one home run, they are 19-41, well-matched with the Braves who are 20-41 when allowing at least one homer.
