Miami Marlins @ Atlanta Braves Game Preview: 8/31/13

Jul 4, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Miami Marlins pinch hitter Donovan Solano (17) drives in the go ahead run with a base hit against the Atlanta Braves during the ninth inning at Turner Field. The Marlins defeated the Braves 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Miami will take on Atlanta in the second game of a 3 game series tonight at 7:10 PM EST in Atlanta. Miami is looking to rebound after a disappointing offensive performance in a 2-1 loss last night.

The Marlins will send young Jacob Turner to the hill for presumably one of his final starts as there have been many rumors surrounding Miami’s attempt to limit their young hurler’s innings. Turner’s numbers have been solid for the Marlins in posting an ERA of 3.12 through 16 starts. He has 61 strikeouts through 98.0 innings.  He seems to have hit a wall though as he doesn’t have a win since July 10th and hasn’t seen the 7th inning in more than a month. His last time out against the Braves he gave up 3 home runs in a 5-0 loss.

Turner will be facing Mike Minor, the Braves ace who currently leads his team in both wins and ERA with 13 and 2.99 ERA respectively.  Minor has started 26 games this year and struck out 147 batters in 165.2 innings pitched.  More than those sparkling numbers, the Braves have been winning games that Minor has started, 5 of his last 6 to coincide with the Braves winning 19 of 25 games so far in August.  Atlanta seems primed for a playoff run and it will be a tough task for Miami to stand in that way tonight, particularly with the Marlins offensive woes. Minor will like his chances with a Marlin lineup that has not scored more than 4 runs in their last 11 games.

Bold Prediction: Like most Marlin games I think that tonight will be a low scoring affair, not necessarily a bold prediction but here is one for you: Donovan Solano will hit a homerun. Even with a solo shot by Solano, I see a braves win 4-2.  Let’s go Fish!