Right-hander Reynaldo Lopez and the Atlanta Braves will attempt to secure a three-game series sweep against the visiting Miami Marlins in the finale on Wednesday. Atlanta has registered back-to-back shutout victories — 3-0 and 5-0 — in the first two games of the series, bolstering their record to 8-1 in their last nine contests. The Braves have also dominated the Marlins this season, holding a 4-1 advantage in their previous matchups.
Lopez (2-0, 0.50 ERA) will take the mound against Sixto Sanchez (0-1, 6.14), who is making his initial start of the season. Lopez’s fourth start of the season will come on extended rest. In his last outing on April 16, Lopez scattered four hits and struck out seven over six scoreless innings, contributing to a 6-2 triumph over the Houston Astros.
“He threw the ball exceptionally well against a formidable hitting club. Another solid performance,” remarked Atlanta manager Brian Snitker. Lopez expressed, “As I’ve always maintained, the crucial factor for me is focus. To maintain focus during the outings and to be able to locate those pitches.”
Lopez holds a 0-1 record with a 3.60 ERA in three career appearances (one start) against Miami. His start in 2019, while pitching for the Chicago White Sox, resulted in a loss despite allowing only two runs and striking out 10 in eight innings, with the final score being 2-0.
Sanchez, who missed the last two seasons due to a tear in his right shoulder, has made seven appearances out of the bullpen for Miami this season. His longest stint was a two-inning outing against the Pittsburgh Pirates on March 30. He has recorded three consecutive scoreless appearances, most recently in the second game of a doubleheader on Saturday against the Chicago Cubs.
“You could see it in his work and his run,” said Miami manager Skip Schumaker. “He’s rediscovering his joy in this game, and if we can keep him healthy after this lengthy absence, he’ll be a valuable asset, regardless of the role we assign him.”
Sanchez compiled a 3-2 record with a 3.46 ERA in seven starts in 2020. He made his last start in Game 3 of the National League Division Series against the Braves, surrendering four runs in three innings, resulting in a 7-0 defeat. He holds a 1-0 record with a 3.60 ERA in three career appearances, including two starts, against Atlanta.
Atlanta catcher Travis d’Arnaud contributed a double, single, and a sacrifice fly on Tuesday. Over his last five games, d’Arnaud is batting an impressive .615 (8-for-13) with five homers, 11 RBIs, six runs, and two walks. His offensive prowess has helped offset Matt Olson’s extended slump. The first baseman, who led the league in home runs and RBIs last season, has failed to record a hit in his last 25 at-bats and has not homered since April 7.
The Marlins’ offense has been struggling, with the team being shut out in their last two games, extending their scoreless streak to 20 innings. The lone exception in the Marlins’ offensive decline has been shortstop Luis Arraez, who accounted for two of the team’s three hits on Tuesday. Arraez has a 15-game hitting streak against the Braves, batting .383 (23-for-60) with two doubles, three home runs, and eight RBIs during that stretch.
