After avoiding matching the worst start in franchise history on Friday, the Braves are now thinking sweep. Nick Markakis had three hits and drove in three runs on Saturday to spark a 6-4 win over Miami at Marlins Park, giving Atlanta its first series victory of the season.
The Marlins stayed within striking distance against Atlanta right-hander Bud Norris, who allowed a two-run homer to Adeiny Hechavarria and a solo shot to Justin Bour. But the two blasts weren’t enough to prevent Miami from dropping three straight and remaining winless (0-4) at Marlins Park.
“It’s another big win for us,” said Norris, who picked up his first “W” of the season. “We want to keep this thing moving. So we’ve got another chance tomorrow and hopefully get a sweep.”
The Braves got to Marlins right-hander Tom Koehler for six runs (five earned) on nine hits in 3 2/3 innings. Markakis did the big damage with a two-run single in the second and an RBI double in the fourth.
Jason Grilli locked down the save, striking out Giancarlo Stanton — who fanned four times on the night — with two on in the ninth inning.
“I don’t think [Stanton] was necessarily pressing,” Miami manager Don Mattingly said. “Obviously, probably a little frustrated by the way the game ended. But he’s had some good at-bats, and you see some at-bats when he’s not quite on it. Usually with guys, they’re always close. They feel like maybe they’re this far away [several feet], but they’re really only inches away. One good swing or one good take, and the next thing you know, those guys are on a roll. There really is nothing about him that concerns me.”
Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez was hoping not to have to extend his bullpen for a second consecutive game after using relievers for 4 2/3 innings on Friday night, but Norris ran out of gas after throwing 98 pitches in 5 1/3 innings. Atlanta’s bullpen again responded with solid relief work. Norris allowed four runs, all earned, on seven hits, including two home runs. He issued three walks and had five strikeouts before exiting the game with a 6-4 lead.
“Our bullpen has been terrific, lights-out the last two days,” Gonzalez said. More >
Hot at the top: Markakis moved to the leadoff spot at the start of this series, and the veteran right fielder has been a thorn in the side of the Marlins. He drove in three runs Saturday night after delivering a key RBI single Friday night to help the Braves win their first game of the season.
Right-hander Jhoulys Chacin will take a 0.00 ERA to the mound Sunday at 12:10 p.m. CT in search of his first win of the season after having a six-inning no-decision in his first start. Chacin is 1-4 (5.25 ERA) in four career starts against Miami, but he did not face the Marlins last year. Thunder Radio will bring you that broadcast beginning with the pregame show at Noon on the Braves Radio Network.
