Marlins Looking To Brave Atlanta’s Onslaught – Atlanta Braves vs. Miami Marlins NLDS Preview

The Marlins’ playoffs has been identical to their regular season: a surprise. No one saw this team coming after the outbreak at the beginning of the year and roster moves that seemed puzzling. Now that they are in the playoffs, it seems they have found a groove that can jolt them into the next round.

The Braves are a team that makes you feel good to see them finally live up to their regular season potential. They have been a good offensive team and a great defensive team in the regular season. They hope to be able to capture that form here in the postseason as well.

 

By The Numbers:*

Miami Marlins (2-0) Atlanta Braves (2-0)
3 Home runs (T-4) 2 Home runs (T-8)
.203 Batting Avg (8) .195 Batting Avg (9)
0.50 ERA (2) 0.00 ERA (1)
.145 Opp Batting Avg (2) .169 Opp Batting Avg (3)

*Wild Card Series Numbers

 

This matchup is interesting due to the nature of the two teams. On one hand you have the Marlins, who seem to turn into the Mon-Stars when they hit the diamond, despite what they look like on paper. On the other you have the Braves, who are a resilient bunch that can fill it up at any given moment.

The Brave’s haven’t found their offense yet but that won’t last long: this team has a streaky nature to them that can run any team off the field. If Ronald Acuña Jr. and Marcell Ozuna get going, watch out. Their defense will be the biggest part of catching that rhythm. If their pitchers get the Marlins out of the batter’s box early, these Braves’ batters can cause havoc.

The Marlins have to counteract that with their defense. They have a great group of arms that are strikeout masters that will give any hitter nightmares. If they can do that and still get the same offensive production, then this team could run Atlanta out the playoffs.

 

Key Players:

Marlins: Sandy Alcantara, Pitcher

2020 Postseason Stats: 1.35 ERA – 4 Strikeouts – .130 Opp Batting Avg

Alcantara can play aggressive or conservative depending on who is in the batter’s box. Against the Braves that versatility needs to be on full display as he will be facing a very good batting rotation in this series.

 

Braves: Marcell Ozuna, Outfielder

2020 Postseason Stats: .111 BA –  2 RBI – 1 Home Run

Ozuna will need to be the best player on the diamond to beat this Marlins’ club. Batting a .111 won’t cut it, neither will just one homer in nine at bats. The Braves need to put up points in bunches and they are capable of that when Ozuna is playing at his best.

 

Prediction:

Braves over Marlins

Miami is a good team with a a lot of overachievers, but Atlanta is on a mission this season to bring a World Series pennant to the 404. Atlanta wins a tough one.

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