Braves at Marlins
There is plenty of talk about the young talent the Atlanta Braves have in their lineup, but entering the second of a four-game set Friday at the Miami Marlins, one of their veterans is enjoying a great start to the season. First baseman Freddie Freeman, who made his major-league debut in 2010, is hitting .326 after collecting a career-high five hits - including a two-run homer - in Thursday’s 9-2 victory while helping Atlanta win its eighth consecutive road game.
Freeman’s 14th multi-hit game of the season helped spark the Braves offense, while Atlanta starters have allowed just one unearned run over 31 innings in their past five road outings. The surprising Braves blew it open Thursday with a seven-run sixth inning, highlighted by second baseman Ozzie Albies’ first career grand slam - his 11th homer of the season to give him 17 RBIs in his past 14 games. The Marlins lost their fourth in a row and sixth in the past eight games, as its bullpen gave up seven runs on nine hits in 3 2/3 innings. Third baseman Martin Prado snapped a 1-for-22 skid with two hits and a RBI, but Miami pitching gave up double-digit hits for the 12th time in 37 games.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS South (Atlanta), FS Florida (Miami)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Brandon McCarthy (4-1, 4.84 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Dan Straily (0-0, 6.75)
McCarthy’s ERA jumped nearly two runs a game after a rough beginning to May, in which he gave up eight runs on 12 hits over 3 1/3 innings in a loss to San Francisco. The 34-year-old put together a strong start to the season, going 4-0 in six starts with a 3.09 ERA and 25 strikeouts against just 12 walks. McCarthy makes his fourth career start against Miami, going 2-0 with a 2.29 ERA in 19 2/3 innings during the first three.
Straily continues working his way back from right forearm inflammation that delayed his season debut until April 30. In two starts since returning, the 29-year-old has allowed six runs on nine hits in eight innings with eight walks and three homers allowed. Straily, who received a no-decision after pitching four innings against Cincinnati on Sunday, is 2-2 with a 5.52 ERA in six starts lifetime against Atlanta.
WALK-OFFS
1. Moved to the sixth spot in the lineup for the series opener, Atlanta CF Ender Inciarte finished 3-for-5 with his major-league leading 16th stolen base.
2. Atlanta LHP Luiz Gohara made his season debut Thursday, giving up one run on two hits in three innings of relief to earn his first career save.
3. Marlins CF Lewis Brinson snapped a 2-for-18 skid with a solo homer in the ninth inning.