MLB Betting Preview: Marlins vs. Braves

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At one time the Atlanta Braves looked like they would be a lock for the playoffs, but things are starting to slip away, as they face the Marlins. Online sportsbook Bet Phoenix has the latest odds for this game and the entire MLB schedule.

The Atlanta Braves have picked the wrong time to be mired in their longest losing streak of the season. Hoping to hold onto a 4 1/2-game lead in the NL wild card race with 14 games remaining, they’ll try to avoid a fifth straight loss Tuesday night when they host the last-place Florida Marlins.

Atlanta (84-64) dropped its fourth straight game Monday, a 5-4, 12-inning loss to Florida. It was a disappointing result in the Braves’ first game back at Turner Field following a 2-6 road trip, though their wild card lead remained the same due to St. Louis’ 6-5 loss in Pittsburgh. Atlanta hasn’t lost five consecutive games since dropping nine straight April 21-29, 2010.

The Braves had won eight of the previous nine meetings with the Marlins prior to Monday, though Florida has now won four of its last six in Atlanta.

Former Marlins shortstop Alex Gonzalez returned to the Braves’ lineup Monday after missing three games with a sore back and went 3 for 4 with two RBIs, but Beachy allowed four runs and nine hits in 5 1-3 innings in another rough outing for a Braves starter.

Atlanta’s starting rotation has a 5.02 ERA over the last 12 games, with the Braves going 3-9.

Mike Minor (5-2, 4.32 ERA) will be on the hill Tuesday looking to turn that around. Minor is 4-0 with a 3.58 ERA in his last five starts, striking out 30 in 27 2-3 innings in that span.

He struggled at times in Thursday’s 6-5 win over the New York Mets, allowing four runs and seven hits in five innings, but he hasn’t lost in his last nine starts spanning two stints in the majors, with the Braves winning eight of those games.

The left-hander has made one start against the Marlins, allowing six runs in four innings of the Braves’ 7-6, 10-inning loss Sept. 5, 2010. Florida (67-79) has won four straight and seven of its last nine overall.

Brad Hand (1-6, 3.91) will take the mound Tuesday as the Marlins continue trying to play spoiler.Hand’s record isn’t indicative of how well he’s pitched. The rookie has allowed three earned runs or fewer in nine of his 10 starts, including Wednesday when he gave up one in six innings but lost 1-0 to the New York Mets.

It marked the eighth time the Marlins have provided Hand with two runs or fewer of support. They’ve scored nine runs in his 40 1-3 innings during those contests.

The Braves are hoping it will happen again and they can finally get back on the winning track.