Land Shark Stadium will be packed tonight as thetwo rivals face off in a start of a heated series.
Including this series, the two teams have 12 matches left with each other before the post season begins, but this one could be the backbone of their chance of qualifying for the NL wildcard or even the NL East title. But with the Philadelphia Phillies owning a 7 game advantage on the two teams, the wild card spot seems more reasonable for now. With an even record of 51-48 for both teams, the Braves would be taking a huge step forward by winning the series or even pulling away in a sweep. The Marlins could do the same.
Tonight, in the first of three, the Braves will start a young pitcher in Jair Jurrgens and the Marlines will have Ricky Nolasco. Jair has a slight advantage in the win column with a 9-7 record as opposed to a 7-7 record held by Nolasco. The ERA differential doesn't help Nolasco's case much as he currently holds a 5.42 ERA. Jurrgens, just 2.67. On paper, Jurrgens looks like a dominant force compared to Nolasco, but when the two pitchers step on the mount at 7:10 pm tonight, anything can happen.
Hanley Ramirez will have plenty to handle
in this three game series at home.
All eyes will be on Hanley Ramirez as Marlins players and fans will looking for the batting average leader to have another stellar night. With 65 RBI's and 59 runs, Ramirez leads the offense in nearly every category. Jorge Cantu will need to step up his game as he is just 2 for 11 at bat all time against Jurrgens. The hot hitter can't cool down here or else the Braves could run away with one. Dan Uggla will obviously be another big factor in the Marlins offense as the veteran infielder is .368 at bat against the Braves this season. The homerun hitting leader for the team will look to add a few more to the column in this tie breaking series.
When you hear Braves, you may think of #10. Chipper Jones at 37 is still hitting and defending like an all star and Braves fans are thankful for every play Chipper is involved in. With the third basemen leading the team in homeruns with just 12, the offense will have to pick things up and try to knock down their opposing pitchers.
One youngster that doesn't really get much attention is the shortstop, Yunel Escobar. The 26 year old Cuban that was mocked for his immature actions a few weeks back after an error was made, has recently taken his game up a notch as the infielder has made some big time plays and caused some damage at bat. Escobar's 7 game hitting streak was ended on Sunday in a win in Milwaukee and during the 7 game stretch, the young gun had 3 homeruns. With a giant goose egg in the hit column of his last game, Yunel looks to grab a hit or two tonight to start yet another hitting streak. He may be the spark for a Braves offense that has slowly gotten more consistent in recent games.
Yunel Escobar has quickly become a fan
favorite as the bright young star has
made eye popping plays to keep the Braves
in playoff contention.
Brian McCann has yet to record a hit against the Marlins this season and will need to make adjustments as the All Star catcher looks to amplify the Braves offense.
Tonight may just be another game in the 162 game season, but for the Braves and Marlins, a lot more looks to be at stake.
-Jason C
in this three game series at home.
All eyes will be on Hanley Ramirez as Marlins players and fans will looking for the batting average leader to have another stellar night. With 65 RBI's and 59 runs, Ramirez leads the offense in nearly every category. Jorge Cantu will need to step up his game as he is just 2 for 11 at bat all time against Jurrgens. The hot hitter can't cool down here or else the Braves could run away with one. Dan Uggla will obviously be another big factor in the Marlins offense as the veteran infielder is .368 at bat against the Braves this season. The homerun hitting leader for the team will look to add a few more to the column in this tie breaking series.
When you hear Braves, you may think of #10. Chipper Jones at 37 is still hitting and defending like an all star and Braves fans are thankful for every play Chipper is involved in. With the third basemen leading the team in homeruns with just 12, the offense will have to pick things up and try to knock down their opposing pitchers.
Good ol' Chipper will be key to the Braves
success once again as #10 steps onto the field.
success once again as #10 steps onto the field.
One youngster that doesn't really get much attention is the shortstop, Yunel Escobar. The 26 year old Cuban that was mocked for his immature actions a few weeks back after an error was made, has recently taken his game up a notch as the infielder has made some big time plays and caused some damage at bat. Escobar's 7 game hitting streak was ended on Sunday in a win in Milwaukee and during the 7 game stretch, the young gun had 3 homeruns. With a giant goose egg in the hit column of his last game, Yunel looks to grab a hit or two tonight to start yet another hitting streak. He may be the spark for a Braves offense that has slowly gotten more consistent in recent games.
Yunel Escobar has quickly become a fanfavorite as the bright young star has
made eye popping plays to keep the Braves
in playoff contention.
Brian McCann has yet to record a hit against the Marlins this season and will need to make adjustments as the All Star catcher looks to amplify the Braves offense.
Tonight may just be another game in the 162 game season, but for the Braves and Marlins, a lot more looks to be at stake.
-Jason C
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