Marlins vs. Braves Preview
ATLANTA (AP) – Following an impressive five seasons with the Florida Marlins, Dan Uggla’s first three-plus months with the Atlanta Braves left much to be desired.
The two-time All-Star second baseman is certainly making up for lost time.
Uggla looks to continue his offensive surge as the Braves try for a sixth straight win in the series and a three-game sweep of the visiting Marlins on Sunday.
According to MLB odds and oddsmakers from online sports book Bodog have made the Braves -155 money line favorites for Sunday’s game against the Marlins. Current MLB Public Betting Information shows that 69% of more than 1,012 bets for this game have been placed on the Braves -155.
Uggla, who leads his position with 174 homers since debuting in 2006, looked like anything but one of the league’s best offensive second basemen after Florida (52-55) traded him to Atlanta during the offseason, recording a .173 average with 12 homers through July 4.
To put it mildly, Uggla has turned things around. He hit his second three-run homer in as many days Saturday, extending his career-best hitting streak to 21 games during a 5-1 victory.
“I was just staying positive,” said Uggla, batting .338 with eight homers and 18 RBIs during his run. “This is what I’m used to doing. It’s one of those things, you get a couple to fall, your confidence kicks in a little bit, you start to feel comfortable, then you’re you again, I guess.”
While Uggla provided most of the offense, Tim Hudson threw seven innings of one-run ball to record his 10th win, joining teammates Jair Jurrjens and Tommy Hanson (11-5, 3.13 ERA) with double-digit victories.
The Braves have outscored the Marlins 17-5 during their five-game winning streak due in large part to their starting rotation, which has compiled a 0.79 ERA over that span. Atlanta (63-45) seems to be in good position of extending its run with Hanson taking the mound.
Hanson has held Florida scoreless in two starts spanning 13 innings this season, improving to 5-1 with a 2.32 ERA lifetime against the Marlins. The right-hander, though, hasn’t been nearly as sharp recently.
Hanson is 1-1 with a 7.27 ERA over his last three starts. He gave up three runs in six innings of Tuesday’s controversial 4-3, 19-inning victory over Pittsburgh.
Hanson will look to add to the struggles of Hanley Ramirez, who has gone 6 for 35 (.171) over his last nine games. The All-Star shortstop is 3 for 13 with a homer off Hanson.
After allowing a season-worst nine runs while recording just four outs during a 14-3 defeat to San Diego on July 20, Ricky Nolasco (7-7, 4.04) bounced back and held Washington to two runs and three hits over 5 2-3 innings of Tuesday’s 11-2 victory.
“He is the kind of guy that doesn’t give in. He has all kinds of breaking balls, cut fastballs, sinkers,” Nationals manager Davey Johnson told MLB.com.
Nolasco, 2-1 with a 0.83 ERA over his last three road starts, has produced inconsistent results at Turner Field of late.
The right-hander, who struck out a combined 27 in 14 2-3 innings over two outings in Atlanta on Sept. 30, 2009, and July 4, 2010, has since been hit hard, compiling a 14.14 ERA in his two most recent starts there.
Uggla is 2 for 5 with a homer off Nolasco. Slowing him down will surely be the focus of Sunday’s series finale.
“If there’s any club in the league that should know how to pitch to Uggla,” manager Jack McKeon said. “These guys have been with him. That’s two nights in a row he’s hit three-run homers. It’s the difference in the ballgame. Great kid, but can’t get him out.”
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