Miami Marlins at Atlanta Braves: Three stories to watch

Can the Marlins overcome the pitching odds?

Next up, we have to contend with the cold reality that it doesn’t look that good pitching wise for the Miami Marlins in this series.

The first two games are against lefty pitchers. The third comes against a pitcher that faired extremely well against the Marlins earlier this season. Meanwhile, Miami counters with at least one lefty of their own, and very likely two. Furthermore, Dan Straily is their best pitcher going in the series, and has given up 9 ER in his last two starts against Atlanta.

To be fair, the Marlins are one of the top five teams in the majors against left handed pitching this season. But the turnaround on that is just so shocking from years past, that I suppose I have a harder time trusting that will continue then I do believing this will be advantage Braves. Plus, the Braves find themselves in that same Top 5, and will get to face far weaker competition in Jeff Locke and presumably Justin Nicolino.

Locke’s career splits come off pretty poor. Curiously enough, Nicolino has dominated Atlanta throughout his young career, but overall consistency has never been his strong suit.

Perhaps more than any other series this season, winning the opener in this one is likely essential.