The set-up: The Marlins struggled throughout most of May (6-18 after 24 games) but closed the month by winning their final four games. They've carried that success over into June and will open a three-game series in Atlanta against the Braves with 12 victories in their last 17 games (now 8-5 in June and 29-35 overall). Miami's turnaround has been sparked by the team batting .292 and averaging six runs per game in its recent stretch and the pitching staff has also improved significantly, posting a 3.62 ERA. The 29-36 Braves return home to open a 10-game homestand after winning two of three at NL East-leader Washington, improving to 14-15 since losing first baseman Freddie Freeman to a fractured wrist. The Braves have won three of the first five matchups against the Marlins this season and are 14-9 versus Miami since the start of 2016.

The pitching matchup: Dan Straily (4-4 & 3.89 ERA) takes the mound for Miami and Sean Newcomb (0-1 & 0.00 ERA) for Atlanta. Straily has posted a 3.32 ERA while going 3-1 over his last seven starts (team is just 3-4, though), allowing more than three runs just once in that span. That occurred in his last start Saturday at Pittsburgh, when he gave up four runs on nine hits in four innings of a no-decision. Straily earned his first victory for Miami against the Braves on April 11, surrendering two earned runs in five innings with two walks and five strikeouts. However, it was ripped in his other career outing vs the Braves, leving him 1-1 with 7.72 ERA. Newcomb was promoted to replace Bartolo Colon, who is on the disabled list with a strained oblique. He impressed in his major-league debut Saturday against the New York Mets, surrendering just an unearned run on four hits over 6 1/3 innings with two walks (one intentional) and seven strikeouts.

The pick: Newcomb earned an "A' in his MLB debut but often, pitchers regress in their second start. I like what I see these days from the Marlins and I'll go against Newcomb in his "second go-around!" Make the Marlins an 8* play.