The Atlanta Braves head to loanDepot park on Saturday, September 26 for a 4:10 PM ET showdown against the Miami Marlins. Brent Suter gets the ball for Atlanta against Miami's Jack Ralston in what figures to be a meaningful late-regular-season contest. With September winding down and rosters expanded, every game in the standings carries weight. Braves fans can catch the action on BravesVision or listen along on 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan, while Spanish-language coverage is available on Los Bravos.
Braves at Marlins: Starting Pitching Matchup
Brent Suter draws the start for Atlanta. The left-hander has been a reliable piece of the Braves pitching staff, valued for his ability to keep hitters off balance with a varied arsenal. He works quickly, throws strikes, and doesn't beat himself — exactly what you want in a road start late in the season.
Miami counters with Jack Ralston. The Marlins right-hander gets the assignment in what is shaping up to be a competitive afternoon game in South Florida. Ralston will be looking to give Miami a quality start and keep the Braves offense in check.
Keys to Watch for Atlanta
- Suter's command: The Marlins can be streaky offensively. If Suter pounds the zone and avoids deep counts, Atlanta's bullpen can be saved for later in a series. Walks are the enemy here.
- Braves lineup production: Atlanta needs to generate runs early and often against Ralston. Getting to Miami's starter before the Marlins bullpen enters is a priority — make him work, drive up his pitch count, and capitalize on mistakes.
- Situational hitting: Late-season games like this one often come down to who executes with runners in scoring position. The Braves need to avoid leaving runs on the base paths.
- Bullpen depth: With the regular season nearing its close and rosters expanded, Brian Snitker has options out of the pen. How the Braves manage their relievers behind Suter could define the outcome if this game stays close into the sixth or seventh inning.
Prediction
This is a winnable road game for Atlanta. Suter has the profile of a pitcher who can manage a Marlins lineup that has had its struggles this season, and the Braves offense should find enough against Ralston to put runs on the board. The late-season calendar adds urgency, and Atlanta has the roster depth to close this one out. Look for the Braves to take care of business in Miami and head into the final days of the regular season with momentum.
Braves 5, Marlins 3.
