Though Dorothy said there's no place like home, there's no better time than now for the Miami Marlins to get away.
After a disastrous 1-5 record to open the season as well as injuries to Don Kelly and Jeff Mathis, the Marlins embark on a 10-game trip that begins in Atlanta.
Like his team, which was swept by the Braves in the first series, righty Mat Latos hopes for better results the second time around. He lasted just 2/3 innings in a career-worst outing, surrendering seven runs on six hits and two walks. Shelby Miller, meanwhile, tossed five scoreless for a no decision last week in Miami.
Right-hander Tom Koehler looked strong through six innings, but a two-run homer by A.J. Pierzynski turned out to be the decisive blow in a 2-0 loss on Wednesday. Righty Trevor Cahill, acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks late in spring training, will make his 2015 debut as the Braves start a five-man rotation. He went 3-12 with a 5.61 ERA in 2014.
In the finale, veterans Dan Haren and Eric Stults will square off. Haren allowed just one run on four hits with two strikeouts in his Marlins debut against the Tampa Bay Rays. But the bullpen blew a seven-run lead and he got a no decision. Stults threw three perfect innings before laboring over the next two, giving up three runs on seven hits (two homers) in a win over the New York Mets.
Here's a look at the upcoming Marlins-Braves three-game series:
SCHEDULE AND PROBABLE PITCHERS
April 13 (FOX Sports Florida -- pregame coverage begins at 6:30 p.m.)
RHP Mat Latos (0-1, 94.50 ERA) vs. RHP Shelby Miller (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
April 14 (FOX Sports Florida -- pregame coverage begins at 6:30 p.m.)
RHP Tom Koehler (0-1, 3.00 ERA) vs. RHP Trevor Cahill (2015 debut)
April 15 (FOX Sports Florida -- pregame coverage begins at 11:30 a.m.)
RHP Dan Haren (0-0, 1.50 ERA) vs. LHP Eric Stults (0-0, 5.40 ERA)
WHO'S HOT
2B Dee Gordon (Marlins): While the Marlins continue to struggle at the plate, Gordon has collected at least one hit in five of the first six games. He went 6 for 14 with five runs, two doubles, a triple, an RBI, a walk and two stolen bases in the Rays series.
INF Alberto Callaspo (Braves): Callaspo has hits in five of the first six games, batting .538 with three runs, a double, an RBI, two walks and no strikeouts. He went 4 for 7 in the opening series against the Marlins last week.
WHO'S NOT
SS Adeiny Hechavarria (Marlins): Hechavarria has opened the season 1 for 22 (.056) with two runs, an RBI double, one walk and four strikeouts. At least he isn't letting it affect his defense. Hechavarria made two stellar defensive plays over the weekend.
2B Jace Peterson (Braves): Since singling in his Braves debut, Peterson is 2 for 17 with two runs, two walks and five strikeouts. He does not yet have an extra basehit.
STORYLINES
.213: Team average for the Marlins through six games, which ranked 20th in the majors on Sunday night
7: Seasons third baseman Martin Prado played for the Braves from 2006-12
29-13: Scoring advantage for the Braves through six games
2: Saves for closer Jason Grilli in the opening series against the Marlins. He played for Florida from 2000-01.
QUOTE BOARD
''We haven't played well, really all week. Today, a couple of big blows, injury-wise. I'm really disappointed. We've got to bounce back. We've got another game tomorrow night in Atlanta. Hopefully, we're a better road team than we have been a home team. We've got to dig deep right now, and see what we're made of.'' -- Manager Mike Redmond to reporters in Miami on the less-than-ideal opening week
''My mistake. I said, 'Sorry, it's not going to happen again.' They said check the board. I forgot to check the board.'' -- Center fielder Marcell Ozuna on being benched for tardiness on Sunday
LOOKING AHEAD
The Marlins continue their trip with a four-game series against the Mets.
You can follow Christina De Nicola on Twitter @CDeNicola13 or email her at cdenicola13@gmail.com.
