Atlanta @ Miami preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 9, 2013 ) Atlanta 5, Miami 2

It appears at first glance the Atlanta Braves snapped out of their offensive funk in Monday’s 5-2 victory over the Miami Marlins, but all the damage came in one inning. The Braves visit Miami on Tuesday in the second contest of the four-game series hoping to get several key offensive cogs on track as the National League East leaders look toward the postseason. Justin Upton snapped an 0-for-18 skid Monday, B.J. Upton is hitless in his last 15 at-bats and Dan Uggla is 4-for-30 with nine strikeouts since coming off the disabled list Aug. 28.

One player who always seems to hit is Miami's Juan Pierre, who lined a single as a pinch hitter in the seventh inning Monday. It was the 36-year-old's 2,213th career hit, putting him within two of Joe DiMaggio for 175th place on the all-time list. Pierre has a .295 lifetime average in 14 seasons and has collected hits in four of his last six pinch-hitting appearances.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Julio Teheran (11-7, 3.01 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Tom Koehler (3-9, 4.70)

The Braves skipped Teheran’s last turn in the rotation to give the 22-year-old a break entering the season’s final three weeks. He beat Miami in his last start Aug. 30, surrendering one run on four hits in 6 1/3 innings to improve to 2-0 against the Marlins this season. He went 4-2 with a 2.80 ERA in six August starts, striking out 42 in 35 1/3 frames.

Koehler has not won in his last six starts, settling for a no-decision after allowing two runs on four hits Sept. 3 at Chicago. He has pitched well at home lately, going 1-0 with a 2.00 ERA in his last three outings. He got a no-decision in his only appearance against Atlanta this season on July 2, giving up three runs (two earned) on six hits in five innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Miami OF Chris Coghlan went 1-for-11 in his previous five games against the Braves before his 4-for-4 performance on Monday.

2. The Braves have scored 13 runs on just 17 hits in their last four contests.

3. Atlanta OF Jason Heyward, out since fracturing his jaw Aug. 21, is expected to start taking batting practice Friday.

PREDICTION: Braves 6, Marlins 3