Miami @ Atlanta preview

Last Meeting ( Mar 26, 2014 ) Miami 2, Atlanta 9

Julio Teheran won 14 games a season ago as a 22-year-old, and through four starts in 2014 is establishing himself as the ace of the Atlanta Braves’ surprisingly fantastic rotation. Teheran starts for the Braves as the NL East leaders open a six-game homestand Monday against Miami, coming off a complete-game shutout at Philadelphia in his last start as Atlanta – whose rotation was devastated by injuries before the season started – leads the majors in starter’s ERA at 1.54. The Marlins have lost all six of their road games this season but have won four of their past five – including a weekend sweep of Seattle – following an eight-game losing streak.

Miami hopes to spark an offense that is hitting .230 away from Marlins Park. Christian Yelich brings a 14-game hitting streak into the series opener, and Giancarlo Stanton leads the majors with 26 RBIs. Atlanta, despite Sunday’s 4-3 14-inning loss to the Mets, wrapped up a six-game road trip through NL East rivals Philadelphia and New York at 4-2 and lead the division by 1 1/2 games over Washington.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Miami), SportSouth (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Tom Koehler (2-1, 1.89 ERA) vs. Braves RH Julio Teheran (2-1, 1.93)

Koehler pitched outstanding in his last start, firing seven shutout, one-hit innings Tuesday in a victory over Washington. He has allowed two earned runs or less in all three of his 2014 starts. The 27-year-old went 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA in two starts against Atlanta last season, allowing six earned runs on 14 hits in 10 innings and a .341 opponents' batting average.

Teheran’s first career shutout was a thing of beauty, scattering three hits (only one through the first seven innings) with no walks. He has allowed just six earned runs in 28 innings and has issued one walk in his past 15 frames. Teheran went 3-0 against Miami last season with a 2.84 ERA in four starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Atlanta’s bullpen pitched well in Sunday’s marathon, giving up one run on three hits in 7 2/3 innings.

2. Braves RF Jason Heyward went 4-for-11 in the final two games of the New York series after going 0-for-12 in the first four games of the road trip.

3. Miami P Steve Cishek struck out the final two batters Sunday with the tying run on third base, converting his 32nd consecutive save attempt.

PREDICTION: Braves 4, Marlins 2