5/14/17
Markakis’ hot bat leads Braves to series win against Marlins
The Braves traveled to Miami to start a three game series against the Marlins, riding a 6 game losing streak, and looking to get their pitching and batting in the same line.
They sent their starter, Mike Foltynewicz, to the hill in hopes of ending the losing streak and take a game one victory. After a strong outing from Foltynewicz who only gave up 1 earned run on 6 hits in 6 innings of work, the Braves were able to ride the bats of catcher, Tyler Flowers and outfielder, Nick Markakis to a 8-4 victory and securing Foltynewicz his first win of 2017.
In Game 2, the Braves sent Julio Teheran to the mound, who has been viewed of being an All-Star while pitching on the road, looked to get his control back in check after having issues with giving up walks and homeruns to start off the year. Teheran was spot on in the first inning, striking out the first batter and giving up no 1st inning runs. Teheran rode his high fast-ball to victory after giving up no earned runs and 4 strike-outs in 6 innings of work. Nick Markakis was MVP for the game, leading the team in hits with 3/4 and giving the Braves a 3-1 victory.
In Game 3, R.A Dickey’s name was called and he was unstoppable in his start, allowing the Braves to have a 1-0 lead until the bottom of the seventh. R.A fell into some trouble in the seventh when he put 2 on with 2 outs and Marlins’ pinch hitter, Tyler Moore, to the plate. On the first pitch, Moore crushed a left center field homerun giving the Marlins a 3-1 lead that the Braves couldn’t come back from.
The Braves won the series 2-1 and now look forward to a 4 game series with Toronto, starting on Monday. The Braves will send Bartolo Colon to the mound, who has struggled this year with a uncharacteristic 7.22 ERA and a 1-4 record on 38 innings of work, to face Toronto’s, Mike Bolsinger, who has a 3.18 ERA and a 0-1 record on 5 innings of work. Games 1 and 2 will be played in Toronto, followed by the final 2 being played in Atlanta.
The Braves will look to get some more wins and move closer to the .500 record they desire.