Atlanta Braves have to keep foot on pedal against Marlins

Game 1 – Dallas Keuchel vs. Elieser Hernandez

Dallas Keuchel has been solid but not great in his last four starts as he’s given up three or more runs in three of those starts.

But he always gives the Atlanta Braves innings and keeps his team in the game, which is exactly what we expect from him.

Starlin Castro has the most experience against him with 4 hits in 17 at-bats.

Hopefully this is a start where Keuchel can go seven or eight innings only allowing a couple of runs as he did against the Marlins on July 7.

Elieser Hernandez has acted as more of an opener for the Miami Marlins lately as he hasn’t lasted more than four innings in his last two starts after moving from the bullpen into the rotation.

In his last outing on August 3 he gave up 5 earned runs on 4 hit, 4 walks, and 2 home runs against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Earlier this year he did pitch a scoreless inning against the Atlanta Braves.

Game 2 – Julio Teheran vs. Caleb Smith

Caleb Smith has been great for the Marlins all year with a 3.35 ERA and 123 strikeouts in 102 innings.

He’s made two starts against the Atlanta Braves this year and has given up 3 earned starts in 6 innings in both of those starts.

Surprise, surprise, Freddie Freeman has the best numbers against him with 4 hits in 9 at-bats. Ozzie Albies, who has been hot lately, is 3-for-9 against the lefty.

Julio Teheran has been on a nice run lately before walking six batters against the Reds and giving up 3 earned runs. But he had a 1.48 ERA in five July starts.

He’s made three starts against the Marlins this year and has pitched 6 scoreless innings in each of those starts.

However, he’s only gotten the win in one of those starts as we mentioned the close games played between these two teams.

But he’s given up just 9 hits and 5 walks in 18 innings against the Marlins this year.