Miami Marlins vs Atlanta Braves: Three Stories To Watch

Sep 23, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins second baseman Derek Dietrich (32) forces out Atlanta Braves catcher Tyler Flowers (25) at second base to turn the double play during the second inning at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins second baseman Derek Dietrich (32) forces out Atlanta Braves catcher Tyler Flowers (25) at second base to turn the double play during the second inning at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Can The Marlins Finally Solve Nick Markakis

It’s not that Freddie Freeman doesn’t rake against Miami, it’s just that I can understand it. He’s one of the game’s ascendant stars. Yes, he performed about 80 points apiece better than his season averages against Marlins pitching in terms of batting average and on-base percentage, but he still finished the 2016 season with a .302 AVG and .400 OBP. Studs will be studs.

But Nick Markakis batted .269 last year. That didn’t stop him from batting .309 against the Marlins, with a .392 OBP.

One man can be pitched around, but not two. Markakis didn’t just put up good counting numbers either. We’re talking significant, lead changing at bats. Solving the Braves starts with solving Markakis, and seeing how he’s opened up the season hot already, I’ll confess to being nervous.