Image Source: Battery Power
Braves fans have plenty to celebrate as Atlanta enters Thursday’s matchup with the Miami Marlins riding a seven-game winning streak. The potential sweep is on the line at Truist Park, although rain in the Atlanta area has introduced uncertainty around the scheduled finale.
Martin Perez is expected to take the mound for Atlanta, hoping to extend one of Major League Baseball’s most impressive recent run-prevention stretches. The Braves have allowed four or fewer runs in each of their last eight games and three or fewer in five consecutive contests.
Braves Chase Eighth Straight Win Behind Perez
Atlanta’s recent success has not been built solely on dominant pitching. According to Battery Power, the Braves have posted the league’s best ERA dating back to July 29 and the seventh-best FIP during that span. However, their xFIP remains closer to the middle of the league, suggesting that strong defense and favorable home-run rates have played a major role.
That combination has nevertheless produced results. The Braves have consistently kept opponents from building innings, turning close games into victories and giving the offense enough room to work. A win Thursday would give Atlanta eight consecutive victories and complete a series sweep against a Miami team still involved in the National League Wild Card race.
Martin Perez Delivers a Powerful Bounce-Back Performance
Perez enters the game after one of his finest outings of the season. He was not originally scheduled to start against the Washington Nationals last Saturday, but he was called upon less than an hour before first pitch after Reynaldo Lopez suffered a knee issue.
The unexpected assignment did not appear to faze him. Perez worked a season-high seven innings, striking out six, walking two and keeping Washington off the scoreboard. It was his longest appearance in nearly a calendar year and his best performance following a difficult stretch of five starts that ranged from mediocre to poor.
On the season, Perez owns a 77 ERA-minus, 104 FIP-minus and 99 xFIP-minus. Those numbers point to a reliable, if unspectacular, rotation contribution. His production has been particularly valuable given his modest cost, estimated at roughly $3.5 million, and the number of higher-priced starters who have struggled across the league.
Perez has already faced Miami once this season. That outing was unusual: he recorded a 10-to-2 strikeout-to-walk ratio in just five innings but was charged with four runs, including a leadoff home run. Atlanta’s offense eventually erased the deficit with six unanswered runs over the final five innings.
Janson Junk Gives Atlanta a Favorable Matchup
The Marlins are set to counter with Janson Junk, who enters with a 108 ERA-minus, 100 FIP-minus and 102 xFIP-minus. The Braves tagged him earlier this season, with Austin Riley launching a three-run homer before Dominic Smith added another three-run shot later in the game.
Junk enjoyed a productive 2025 campaign, collecting 2.5 fWAR in only 110 innings. That performance was helped by an extremely low walk rate and a six percent home-run-to-fly-ball rate. This season, however, his walk rate has risen while his home-run rate has returned closer to normal levels.
The right-hander has remained fairly consistent from month to month. He does not generate many strikeouts, and his control can vary from start to start. Atlanta’s power hitters could have opportunities if they force Junk into hitter-friendly counts, particularly at Truist Park.
Rain Delay Adds Drama to Critical Braves Finale
The scheduled first pitch is 7:15 p.m. Eastern at Truist Park, with the game available through BravesVision. Radio coverage is expected on 680 AM and 93.7 FM The Fan, along with La Mejor stations at 1600, 1460 and 1130 AM.
Rain has already become part of the story surrounding the game, and any delay could affect both clubs’ pitching plans. For Atlanta, the priority is straightforward: protect the winning streak, finish the sweep and continue building momentum during an important stretch of the season.
Miami enters at 58-57 and trails the Philadelphia Phillies and Arizona Diamondbacks by three games for the final National League Wild Card position. That makes Thursday’s contest meaningful for both sides. The Braves want to keep climbing, while the Marlins need to avoid leaving Atlanta empty-handed.
If Perez can repeat his recent command and the Braves’ defense continues to convert difficult plays, Atlanta will have a strong chance to complete the sweep. Still, as the team’s recent games have shown, favorable matchups only matter if the Braves execute once the game begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the Braves scheduled to play the Marlins?
The game is scheduled for Thursday, August 6, at 7:15 p.m. Eastern at Truist Park in Atlanta.
Who is starting for the Braves?
Martin Perez is scheduled to start for Atlanta after pitching seven scoreless innings against the Washington Nationals in his previous appearance.
Who is pitching for Miami?
Janson Junk is expected to start for the Marlins. He previously struggled against Atlanta, allowing home runs to Austin Riley and Dominic Smith.
How many games have the Braves won in a row?
Atlanta enters Thursday’s matchup with seven consecutive victories and is seeking an eighth straight win.
Where can fans follow the game?
The game is scheduled to be available on BravesVision, with radio coverage on 680 AM, 93.7 FM The Fan and La Mejor stations.
