MIA 5, ATL 4; Smith, back from the injured list, pulls out the win

The Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves produced 24 hits together on Saturday afternoon. The Fish supplied 15 of those hits. The Fish won by a slim margin of one run, 5-4, finally putting their losing streak to bed.

Caleb Smith: 6 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, 2 HR

Max Fried: 5 IP, 11 H, 5 ER, 1 BB, 7 K, 2 HR

Caleb Smith made his return from the injury list and showed why he can be a main pillar in the rebuilding process. While his numbers were not immaculate, it was a great first start back.

There was a lot of back and forth in terms of offense for the first three innings of the game. Ronald Acuña Jr. led things off with a solo shot. The first pitch Smith threw was a 91 MPH fastball that caught too much of the plate. The Braves kept the pressure on Smith with an Ozzie Albies double and a Freddie Freeman ground out to score the run.

The Marlins replied the next inning with some pop. Harold Ramirez hit a solo shot to center field. The home run retaliations would not be over there though. Austin Riley sent a ball into the seats to lead off the second inning for the Braves.

The Fish were not done yet. Starlin Castro hit a moonshot to left field and the swing was sweet. Atlanta scored one more time in the bottom of the third. Smith to his credit bounced back stronger and did not give up a hit or walk during his last three innings.

The Marlins took the lead during a big fifth inning. There were no home runs like earlier, but the bats were making contact. Garrett Cooper and Starlin Castro both singled to open up the inning. Jorge Alfaro then doubled to bring in a run. Yadiel Rivera was the big hero here, he brought home both the tying run and the winning run with a single.

The offense was awake and willing during Saturday’s game. Castro and Alfaro each had three hits. Miguel Rojas and Cooper had two hits. Everyone in the starting lineup had at least one hit...besides Neil Walker who went 0-5.

Austin Brice, Nick Anderson, and Sergio Romo pitched three innings combined. Romo gave up one single in the ninth, but quickly slammed the door shut on Atlanta.

Fish Stripes original GIF

Trevor Richards will be on the mound Sunday facing off against Dallas Keuchel at 1:20 ET.

Marlins vs Braves box score (MLB.com)

Fish Picks answer key

1. Braves
2. Under
3. Over
4. Yes
5. Marlins