Overview
The Atlanta Braves take on the Miami Marlins in the final game of a three-game series on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 1:10 PM EDT at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida. The sports card and web sources confirm the game time and networks (BSSE, BSFL, MLBN). The Marlins won the series opener 2-1 on August 25, with Edward Cabrera’s 10 strikeouts and Troy Johnston’s RBI double outpacing Spencer Strider’s effort. The Braves responded with an 8-4 win on August 26, led by Matt Olson’s homer. The Marlins lead the 2025 season series 6-3, including a 2-1 win on June 22. This NL East matchup is critical for the Braves (60-71, 4th in NL East) to win the series and bolster their wild card hopes, and for the Marlins (62-70, 3rd in NL East) to secure a series victory. Fans seeking a winning edge can rely on this expert preview, featuring player insights, pitching matchups, and a prediction—unlock more game-changing tips with our exclusive MLB strategies now
Team Analysis
Atlanta Braves
- 2025 Record (as of August 26): 60-71, 4th in NL East
- Performance Overview: The Braves are 5-5 in their last 10 games, averaging 4.7 runs/game with a .260 batting average, .309 OBP, and .428 SLG. Their pitching staff has a 4.22 ERA. Matt Olson’s 25 HRs and Marcell Ozuna’s .294 BA lead the offense, but injuries to Reynaldo López (SP, shoulder, 60-day IL), Joe Jiménez (RP, knee, 60-day IL), and AJ Smith-Shawver (SP, elbow, 60-day IL) weaken their pitching depth.
- Strengths: Power hitting (183 HRs, 8th in MLB) and a 4-1 record in their last five games against divisional opponents.
- Weaknesses: Poor road record (26-40) and a 1-4 record against the spread in their last five games.
- Player to Watch: Matt Olson (1B) – His 25 HRs (23rd in MLB), 71 RBI, and homer in the August 26 win make him a key power threat.
Miami Marlins
- 2025 Record (as of August 26): 62-70, 3rd in NL East
- Performance Overview: The Marlins are 4-6 in their last 10 games, averaging 4.3 runs/game with a .298 batting average, .361 OBP, and .369 SLG. Their pitching staff has a 4.10 ERA. Xavier Edwards’ .294 BA and Máximo Acosta’s recent homer lead the offense, but injuries to Derek Hill (OF, wrist, 10-day IL), Griffin Conine (OF, shoulder, 60-day IL), and Ryan Weathers (SP, lat, 60-day IL) test their depth.
- Strengths: Strong home record against the Braves (2-1 in 2025) and a 35-30 record against the spread at home.
- Weaknesses: Inconsistent offense (19th in MLB with 562 runs) and a 2-3 record in their last five games as underdogs.
- Player to Watch: Xavier Edwards (SS) – His .294 BA, 25 SB, and .310 BA in his last 5 games make him a speed and contact threat.
Head-to-Head Record
- Historical Context: The Marlins lead the 2025 season series 6-3, with wins including a 2-1 victory on August 25 (Cabrera’s 10 K’s) and a 2-1 win on June 22. The Braves won 7-0 on June 20 and 8-4 on August 26. In 2024, the Braves won 5-4 overall.
- Recent Encounter: On August 26, the Braves won 8-4, with Olson’s homer and Hurston Waldrep’s pitching outpacing Miami’s offense.
- Key Insight: The Marlins’ pitching has stifled the Braves’ offense in close games, but Atlanta’s power bats thrive against Miami’s depleted rotation.
Pitching Matchups Table
| Team | Pitcher | Record | ERA | Innings Pitched | Strikeouts | WHIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braves | Hurston Waldrep (RHP) | 4-0 | 0.73 | 37.0 | 35 | 0.95 |
| Marlins | Sandy Alcantara (RHP) | 7-11 | 6.04 | 152.1 | 130 | 1.45 |
Strengths and Negatives of Pitchers
- Hurston Waldrep (Braves):
- Sandy Alcantara (Marlins):
Key Players to Monitor
- Atlanta Braves:
- Miami Marlins:
Recent Performance
- Atlanta Braves: At 60-71, the Braves are 5-5 in their last 10, scoring 47 runs while allowing 41, with their offense showing power (.428 SLG) but struggling on the road (26-40).
- Miami Marlins: At 62-70, the Marlins are 4-6 in their last 10, scoring 43 runs and allowing 45, with their pitching solid but offense inconsistent (19th in runs).
Critical Factors
- Venue: loanDepot park’s pitcher-friendly dimensions (3.90 park ERA) favor Waldrep’s low ERA, though Olson’s power can break through.
- Weather: Indoors, ensuring consistent conditions for a competitive game.
- Momentum: The Braves’ August 26 win and 5-5 run contrast with the Marlins’ 4-6 record and 2-1 home edge against Atlanta this season.
- Betting Odds: Braves favored at -115, with over/under at 7.5, reflecting Waldrep’s dominance and the park’s low-scoring trends.
Prediction
The Atlanta Braves hold a clear edge in this matchup, driven by Hurston Waldrep’s 0.73 ERA and strong performance against the Marlins compared to Sandy Alcantara’s 6.04 ERA and struggles (4-6 in last 10 starts). The Marlins’ offense, led by Edwards and Acosta, could exploit Waldrep’s limited innings with speed and contact, but the Braves’ power bats, sparked by Olson and Ozuna, should overpower Alcantara. Atlanta’s bullpen, with Raisel Iglesias, will likely secure the win to take the series.
Final Prediction: Atlanta Braves win, 5-2. Olson hits a homer, and Waldrep pitches six scoreless innings.
Best Bets
- Moneyline: Atlanta Braves (-115) – Waldrep’s dominance and the Braves’ power make them a strong pick.
- Under 7.5 Runs (-105) – loanDepot park’s pitcher-friendly setup and Waldrep’s low ERA suggest a low-scoring game.
- Matt Olson to Record an RBI (+120) – His 25 HRs and recent form offer strong value against Alcantara.
This preview, based on the latest trends and stats as of August 26, 2025, delivers expert, trustworthy, and engaging content for MLB fans. Watch live on BSSE, BSFL, or MLBN, as noted in the sports card and web sources.
