Braves at Marlins
Atlanta has to play better against its NL East neighbors if the Braves want to contend. Tuesday's 11-0 victory was a big step in the right direction as Atlanta pounded out 16 hits in the series opener at Marlins Park. The victory improved the Braves' mark to 6-11 this season against division opponents. Miami had won seven of its past 10 coming into Tuesday's game. Jose Reyes did scratch out a single, extending his hitting streak to 15 games.
Both of Wednesday’s starting pitchers are going on extra rest due to off days. Atlanta’s Randall Delgado has not pitched since May 29, while Miami’s Josh Johnson made his previous start last Wednesday. Both will be hard-pressed to match the effort of Atlanta’s Tim Hudson in the opener, who pitched a five-hit shutout.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, SportSouth (Atlanta), Fox Sports Florida (Miami).
PITCHING MATCHUP: Atlanta RH Randall Delgado (3-5, 4.58 ERA) vs. Miami RH Josh Johnson (3-3, 4.83 ERA).
The Braves need a good start from Delgado, a 22-year-old who has struggled in his past three outings. In those three starts, Delgado has surrendered 11 earned runs, 11 walks and 16 hits in 14 2/3 innings. One of the top young arms in the Braves’ organization, Delgado beat St. Louis his last time out for his first victory since April 17.
Johnson beat the Nationals in his last start on Wednesday, allowing three earned runs on seven hits in six innings. The right-hander has walked just five hitters in his past 25 innings, but has surrendered 27 hits in that same span. The league is hitting .313 off Johnson.
WALK-OFFS:
1. Martin Prado is Atlanta’s leading hitter, but is just 6-for-27 (.222) lifetime against Johnson with six strikeouts.
2. The Braves batted around twice in Tuesday’s victory.
3. Reyes has raised his average from .242 to .279 during his hitting streak.