Miami @ Atlanta preview

Miami at Atlanta

Last Meeting ( Jul 10, 2013 ) Atlanta 2, Miami 6

The Atlanta Braves have swept four straight series - and 11 this season - and they'll try to take a step toward another when they open a three-game set against the visiting Miami Marlins on Friday. The Braves have won 13 straight to open a 15 1/2-game lead in the National League East. Atlanta leads the season series 6-3 and will face the Marlins nine more times after Friday.

The Braves have averaged 5.9 runs during the winning streak, with red-hot Justin Upton leading the way with five homers during a 12-game hitting streak - the longest current streak in the National League. The last-place Marlins have dropped five straight - their fifth streak of five or more losses this season. Atlanta has the best home mark in the majors at 38-15 and is 7-0 at Turner Field since the All-Star break.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Miami), FSN South (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Jacob Turner (3-3, 2.68 ERA) vs. Braves RH Brandon Beachy (0-0, 9.00)

Turner has nine quality starts in his 12 outings this season, but the Marlins have lost the last four times he has taken the mound. The 22-year-old received his second straight no-decision last time out, allowing two runs over six innings against Cleveland. Turner is 1-1 with a 2.77 ERA in two starts against Atlanta, with the win coming earlier this season.

Beachy is set for his third start since returning from a year off following Tommy John surgery. After a poor outing in his first game back, the 26-year-old was much sharper last time out, allowing four runs - three earned - over 6 1/3 innings at Philadelphia. Beachy is 2-0 with a 2.94 ERA in five starts against the Marlins, and threw a five-hit shutout in the most recent meeting May 17, 2012.

WALK-OFFS

1. Since 1969, there have been seven 13-game winning streaks posted by National League teams. The Braves are responsible for four of them.

2. Marlins rookie Christian Yelich has hit safely in eight straight games, batting .424 over that stretch.

3. Atlanta hopes to have outfielder Jordan Schafer back Friday after being sidelined since July 3 with a stress fracture in his right foot.

PREDICTION: Braves 6, Marlins 4