ATL 3, MIA 4; Marlins get the best of Atlanta in Friday’s series opener

The Miami Marlins opened their three-game weekend series vs. the Atlanta Braves at loanDepot park with a come-from-behind 4-3 victory. The story Friday night was the dominance of Jazz Chisholm Jr.—the rookie infielder, who recently dyed his hair purple to honor the late Kobe Bryant of the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers, drove home Jorge Alfaro and Jon Berti during a key three-run third inning. That wound up to be the game-winning hit. Chisholm also made a spectacular, Derek Jeter-like throw from the shortstop position to throw out William Contreras at first in the fourth inning.

Sandy Alcantara, who picked up his fourth win of the season and second in the month of June, got off to a shaky start. The right-hander walked Ronald Acuña Jr. on five pitches to open the contest, who would go on to later score from third on Ozzie Albies’ hard single to right field. Aside from that, Alcantara was the Alcantara Don Mattingly is used to witnessing, striking out six hitters and giving up two runs over six innings of work. Miami’s offense attacked veteran right-hander Charlie Morton, tagging Morton for four runs on four hits in four short innings.

Celebrating his 28th birthday, Alfaro was struck on the left elbow by a Morton fastball in the bottom of the fourth. X-Rays were negative and the Marlins are listing his status as day-to-day. Sandy León caught the final five frames in his place.

For the first time since April 30, Berti can sleep relatively peacefully with the knowledge that his batting average is above the Mendoza Line (.201).

Mattingly has yet to announce a starter for Saturday afternoon’s 4:10 p.m. start, but in all likelihood, Zach Thompson will make his second major league appearance and first inside loanDepot park. Atlanta will counter with lefty Max Fried.

Baseball Savant

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