David Phelps (2-0, 2.90 ERA) and Julio Teheran (3-1, 4.74 ERA) start in the first of a three-game series between the Miami Marlins (16-19) and the Atlanta Braves (15-19) at Marlins Park. Action begins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Friday, May. 15 and can be seen on FSN-S and FSN-FL.
Phelps pitched 6.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering one run, striking out three and walking one in a 6-2 win over the Giants. Dee Gordon (.426, 20 Rs, 12 RBIs, 12 SBs) continued his strong play Wednesday, going 4 for 5 with two runs. Teheran is 5-1 with a 2.64 ERA when pitching against the Marlins. He is up against a good Miami offense which is hitting .267 this season.
The odds for Miami and Atlanta are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. Within its division, Miami has a record of 12-13 SU. Miami’s pitchers put it all together when division rivals are on the field. Its average runs allowed per game drops to 3.6 against fellow NL East members, compared to its 4.1 season average. The Marlins are the second-best team in the NL at limiting hits during home games, allowing only 7.7 hits per game to their opponents this season.
The Braves are 10-14 against NL East rivals. Atlanta is excellent at not striking out with an NL-low 6.2 per game.
The Braves lead the season series, 4-2. The Marlins have an 11-18 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Teheran takes the mound. Phelps (RHP) will be on the hill against the Braves, who have a 13-17 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – ATL
Notes
Atlanta has won 29% (6-15) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Miami has won 44% (7-9) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Marlins are coming off of a weak pitching game where they recorded six strikeouts. The Braves have a record of 8-11 when opponents’ pitchers have that many strikeouts or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Braves are 2-13. The Marlins have a 2-10 record when opponents outhit them.
Miami and Atlanta both rank near the bottom of the league in home runs. Miami sits at 28th with 21 home runs this season and Atlanta ranks 23rd with 25.
Ranking 10th, Atlanta is in the top 10 of the league in hits, notching 8.35 per game. Miami ranks in the top five at fourth with 9.00.
Ranking 20th, Miami is in the bottom half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.702). Atlanta ranks in the top half at 15th with an OPS of .705.
The Braves are 4-13 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Marlins are 8-12 when they allow at least one homer.
