Miami took care of the Chicago Cubs in the Wild Card round in two straight games 5-1 and 2-0. The Braves took care of the Cincinnati Reds in two games also 1-0, and 5-0. Miami offense has been severely lacking all season, they batted .244 this season(17th in the league), their .319 on-base percentage was also 17th, and they were 21st in runs scored with 263. Their pitching wasn't much better, as they ranked near the bottom of the league during the regular season but found their groove against the Cubs. The Cubs hit just .145 against the Marlins and the Markins finished the series with a .50 ERA and .78 WHIP. The Marlins will send Sandy Alcantara to the mound. He made seven starts this season, posting a 3-2 record with a 3.00 ERA. In his one postseason start, he allowed one run on three hits in 6.2 innings with four strikeouts.

The Braves will look to get off to a fast start against the Markins by sending Max Fried tot he mound. He made 11 starts this season going 7-0 with a 2.25 ERA. In his playoff start, he allowed zero runs and struck out five in seven innings against the Reds. The Braves owned the Marlins during the regular season, winning six of the 10 games between the two teams., including four of the last five. Atlanta has struggled offensively against the Reds pitching staff, but that could be expected as the reds have one of the best staffs in the league. They hit just .195 and scored just six runs. The Braves held the Reds to a .169 batting average and did not allow a run.

The Braves didn't hit well in the Wild Card round but they were acing the Reds. The Braves have the better pitching and have more offensive explosion than the Marlins. Fried should give the Braves a strong start and the Braves bats will come through against a subpar Marlins staff. I am looking for Value here so take the Braves on the run-line.

Play on the Atlanta Braves-minus 1.5 runs.