The Miami Marlins with owner Jeffery Loria cleaned house after the 2012 season that saw Miami losing 93 games. Giancarlo formerly Mike Stanton will be the only active player from 2012's Opening Day to be present tonight in the Home Opener. Ticket sales have been an issue in the past for Miami but over 30,000 people are expected to attend tonight's game vs. Atlanta. Miami has only totaled one run in their first three games and the last team in MLB to finally notch a win this 2013 season. Slowey gets duty for Miami and is 0-1 1.69 ERA and looking for his first win since September of 2010. Slowey has a career 5.91 ERA vs. Atlanta. Maholm goes for Atlanta and is 1-0 this season but is 2-0 1.27 ERA last season 4.28 ERA career vs. Miami. Atlanta was 7-2 in Marlins Park last season and 14-4 for the season series. The Braves offense has scored 31 runs on the season so far but now must be able to manufacture runs in a road environment. Miami looks to manufacture runs period. Source: ESPN MLB Preview.
Stanton has a six game hit streak vs. Atlanta going 7 for 21 with two HR's and three doubles. Stanton is the one player who could really energize the Miami crowd with a HR with runners aboard. Maholm will have to very careful with Stanton. Still like Braves record in Marlins Park although and Maholm numbers vs. Miami Hitting overall. J. Upton may well stay hot on the road and Jason Heyward needs a solid night of basic fundamental hitting. Braves doing a fairly good job so far this season not hitting into double plays and advancing runners. Conversion of double plays on the defensive end while not hitting into them on the offensive end might be a the momentum swinger tonight.
gl jon boland
