The Marlins fall to the Braves in series finale, 3-1

The Miami Marlins get a day to rest after a 3-1 loss to the Atlanta Braves on Sunday. Miami was swept in the home series before the team travels to Chicago to begin play on Tuesday.

Sometimes even on your best day, it’s not enough. Such was the case for Pablo Lopez on Sunday as he left the game in a scoreless tie before the Miami Marlins gave up a home run to Atlanta Braves slugger Nick Markakis, leading to a 3-1 win on Sunday afternoon in 10 innings.

When it rains it pours for this organization – one that is failing to do fundamental things at the play and on the mound. Atlanta swept the three-game series. It also left national media asking if this team, this franchise had hit rock bottom.

Lopez threw 88 pitches, gave up only three hits and walked one, opening the door for questions as to what it will take to fix what is severely broken with this roster. The Marlins were 1-5 in this most recent homestand.

"“I think the mindset is there,” veteran third baseman Martin Prado said. “I think the intent is there. I see guys just talking about hitting, having an approach, and having an idea of what we’re going to do as a team. We haven’t been consistent as a team, with at-bats.”More from Marlins NewsMiami Marlins can’t afford to botch this tradeMiami Marlins news: the New York Mets are a risky threatMiami Marlins keep missing out on starsMiami Marlins rumors: New closer?Miami Marlins attempted to sign 2 bats"

This is not going to be an easy fix for this organization – one that is facing records it doesn’t want to break. Per Andre C. Fernandez of The Athletic, a loss to the Cubs on Tuesday would give the Marlins their worst start in team history through 34 games.

OUCH!

Something has got to give, right? Like in many cases this season, the young pitching staff has proven worthy of a victory, only to be let down by a bullpen folly or a lineup that cannot produce runs on a consistent basis. A shakeup once again may be out of necessity. Manager Don Mattingly is counting on veterans like Martin Prado, Curtis Granderson, and Neil Walker to help guide the ship through these troubled waters.

It might not be enough. Right now, the Marlins are taking on water and sinking.

"“We do have enough guys, I think, who understand exactly where we’re at right now, and what you have to do to change it, and how you move forward,” Mattingly said. “We’re better than this, I think, in general. We have to find a way where we understand who we are as hitters, and continue to be aggressive, prepare and get better.”"

The Marlins will open their series in Chicago on Tuesday with Sandy Alcantara taking the mound. So far this season, Alcantara is 1-3 with a 4.86 ERA. Cole Hamels will get the ball for Chicago. He is 3-0 this season with a 3.19 ERA.