Miami @ Atlanta preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 13, 2018 ) Miami 1, Atlanta 9

The Atlanta Braves could not afford a short outing from their rotation entering Monday’s home doubleheader against the Miami Marlins, but they found a way to survive a 19-hit onslaught to enter the four-game series with 10 victories in their past 14 contests. The Braves moved percentage points ahead of Philadelphia in the National League East with Sunday’s wild 8-7 victory over Milwaukee, deploying four relievers who combined to give up two runs over five innings.

Atlanta manager Brian Snitker joked with reporters afterward that he tried not to think about Monday’s two games after starter Sean Newcomb pitched just four innings Sunday. Rookie outfielder Ronald Acuna belted another homer from the leadoff spot in the victory, giving him eight longballs and a .317 average with 15 RBIs since the All-Star break. The Marlins fell 4-3 to the New York Mets at home Sunday and have lost 10 of their past 12 games, but hope they have found a leadoff spark in left fielder Rafael Ortega. Called up Friday after Miami traded Justin Bour to the Phillies, the 27-year-old went 2-for-5 with a run scored and two stolen bases Sunday, and has collected four hits in three games in his first major-league action since 2016 with the Angels.

TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Miami), FS Southeast (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Merandy Gonzalez (2-0, 5.71 ERA) vs. Braves RH Mike Foltynewicz (9-7, 2.98)

Gonzalez was recalled from Double-A Jacksonville to make his eighth big-league appearance and his first start, most likely in Game 2 although Miami did not make it official Sunday. The 22-year-old picked up victories over the Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia in late April, but allowed four runs over 4 1/3 innings in his last major-league outing June 17 against Baltimore. Gonzalez went 3-6 with a 4.32 ERA in 14 starts at Jacksonville.

Foltynewicz struggled to a 5.72 ERA in five July starts, but has allowed only three earned runs over 11 2/3 innings with three walks and 12 strikeouts in winning his first two August outings. The 26-year-old struck out seven Wednesday in a victory at Washington, allowing only one earned run on six hits across 5 2/3 innings. Foltynewicz beat the Marlins in a May 10 road start, giving up just one unearned run on three hits over five innings, and is 4-1 with a 3.71 ERA in nine career appearances (eight starts) against Miami.

WALK-OFFS

1. Braves 1B Freddie Freeman is hitting .370 during his 14-game hitting streak, the longest active streak in the majors and his third streak of 10-plus contests this season.

2. Marlins OF Lewis Brinson, sidelined since July 4 with a right hip bone bruise, will begin a minor-league rehab assignment Tuesday.

3. Atlanta has dominated the season series, winning eight of 11 meetings and averaging 6.8 runs per contest.

PREDICTION: Braves 5, Marlins 1