Atlanta @ Miami preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 23, 2012 ) Atlanta 1, Miami 2

Tim Hudson mesmerized Miami hitters last month and attempts to do so again when the Atlanta Braves visit the Marlins in Tuesday’s second contest of a three-game series. Hudson tossed a five-hit shutout against the Marlins on June 5 for his 13th career shutout. Miami has tallied just nine runs over the last six games but squeezed out a 2-1 victory in the series opener to halt a five-game losing skid. Atlanta has lost three straight.

The Marlins appear to be coming to grips with the fact they won’t be a postseason participant after a ton of preseason hype. Miami traded pitcher Anibal Sanchez and infielder Omar Infante to the Detroit Tigers on Monday for pitcher Jacob Turner and two minor-leaguers. Atlanta has fallen 4 1/2 games behind the Washington Nationals in the National League East but is in the thick of a competitive battle for the league’s two wild-card berths.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, SportSouth (Atlanta), Fox Sports Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Tim Hudson (8-4, 3.70 ERA) vs. Marlins LH Mark Buehrle (9-9, 3.29)

Hudson has won four of his last five decisions. He defeated the San Francisco Giants in his last outing when he gave up two runs and eight hits in 7 1/3 innings. Hudson has been solid on the road, compiling a 4-1 record and 1.94 ERA in six starts. He is 12-4 with a 2.76 ERA in 23 career starts against the Marlins.

Buehrle lost his last outing after winning four consecutive decisions. He gave up four runs and six hits in five innings against the Chicago Cubs after allowing just three runs during his winning streak. Buehrle lost to the Braves on June 7 despite allowing just two runs and three hits in six innings. He defeated Atlanta on May 16 and is 3-1 with a 3.81 ERA in four career starts against the Braves.

WALK-OFFS

1. Marlins 1B Carlos Lee is batting .375 with a homer and 10 RBIs in 32 career at-bats against Hudson.

2. Braves 3B Chipper Jones singled home the lone run in the opener for his 163rd career RBI against the Marlins, his most against any club.

3. Miami 3B Hanley Ramirez (hand) has missed four straight starts but could return Tuesday.