Miami @ Atlanta preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 10, 2013 ) Miami 1, Atlanta 0

The Atlanta Braves had a 14-game winning streak come to an end but still own a 14 1/2-game cushion in the National League East. The Miami Marlins, who put an end to that winning streak on Saturday, will try to take the rubber match when they visit the Braves for the finale of a three-game set on Sunday. Atlanta has not lost a series since dropping two of three at the Chicago White Sox just after the All-Star break.

The Marlins held the Braves to three hits in a 1-0 victory on Saturday, pushing across the lone run on a wild pitch in the ninth inning. That marked the sixth straight contest that Atlanta’s staff had allowed three or fewer runs. Miami ranks last in the majors in most offensive categories and it has averaged 1.9 runs in the last seven games (six losses).

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Miami), FSN South (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Henderson Alvarez (2-1, 2.80 ERA) vs. Braves LH Mike Minor (11-5, 2.76)

Alvarez is aiming for his fifth straight quality start and third win in as many decisions. The 23-year-old Venezuelan allowed three runs in seven innings at Pittsburgh on Tuesday but did not factor in the decision. Alvarez, who came over as part of the mega-deal with the Toronto Blue Jays in the offseason, has faced Atlanta twice this season and is 0-1 with a 5.73 ERA.

Minor is looking for his seventh consecutive quality start after allowing two runs in six innings at Washington on Monday. The left-hander suffered through his last non-quality outing against the Marlins on July 3, when he was reached for four runs in six frames to suffer the loss. Minor faced Miami again in his next turn five days later and fared better with one run on six hits in 6 1/3 frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. Marlins RF Giancarlo Stanton, who did not play on Saturday, is 3-for-17 on the current road trip.

2. Atlanta RHP Jordan Walden left Saturday’s game after taking a line drive off his pitching hand.

3. Miami rookie OF Christian Yelich has hit safely in a career-high 10 straight games.

PREDICTION: Braves 4, Marlins 1