Atlanta @ Miami preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 1, 2013 ) Miami 7, Atlanta 0

The Atlanta Braves open a four-game series at the Miami Marlins on Monday looking to reverse a trend of falling short in close games. The Braves began their seven-game road trip by getting swept in Philadelphia, mustering just eight runs on 12 hits in losing three one-run decisions. The Braves, whose magic number to clinch the National League East remains stuck at nine, have lost four in a row as they send Kris Medlen to the mound for the series opener.

The Marlins have long been out of the division race, and star Giancarlo Stanton has struggled with injuries and inconsistency. Stanton, who did not play in Sunday’s 6-4 loss to Washington, has 19 home runs in 96 games after belting 37 in 123 contests last season. Miami, which has dropped nine of its last 13 games, is 5-10 against Atlanta this season.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Kris Medlen (12-12, 3.48 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Henderson Alvarez (3-3, 3.95)

Medlen has been outstanding over his last eight starts, going 6-2 with a 2.76 ERA and only six walks with 43 strikeouts in 49 innings. He has won his last two outings, allowing one run in 14 innings with 15 strikeouts in victories over the Cleveland Indians and New York Mets. Medlen is 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA in two previous starts against Miami this season.

Alvarez finished August winless in five starts but defeated the Chicago Cubs on Monday, allowing three runs on seven hits in six innings. He has made three starts against the Braves this season, going 0-1 with a 5.82 ERA as he allowed 11 earned runs in 17 frames. Alvarez finished August with a 5.74 ERA after posting a 2.61 mark in six July starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Atlanta C/OF Evan Gattis hit two homers Sunday and is 6-for-17 with three blasts since being recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday.

2. Miami OF Justin Ruggiano is hitting .377 since snapping an 0-for-42 streak on Aug. 14.

3. Scott Downs, one of two left-handers in the Braves’ bullpen, hopes to avoid missing time after a line drive fractured the tip of his right ring finger on Saturday.

PREDICTION: Braves 4, Marlins 3