2020 MLB Division Series: Marlins/Braves Game 1, Astros/A’s Game 2

I could say that the Marlins are an easy mark in this series, but then you saw what they did to the Cubs.

Their starting pitching is better than anyone would have thought — that’s going to be a strength for them in the near future — and it’s entirely possible they can shut down the Braves’ strong hitters, who were second to the Dodgers (by one!) in runs scored this year.

Atlanta pitching is just about league average. They will have to rely on Max Fried to get them off to a good start in this series, because beyond Fried and Ian Anderson, their rotation is a mess. And with no off days in this series, teams will have to use five starters if the series goes to Game 5.

I’m thinking it won’t. The Braves will win this series in four games, finally, FINALLY handing a playoff series loss to the Marlins franchise.

The Braves won six of 10 from Miami during the regular season.

Here’s all the information you’ll need for the two games today.

Marlins vs. Braves at Minute Maid Park, 1:08 p.m. CT

Sandy Alcantara, RHP vs. Max Fried, LHP

TV: FS1. Announcers: Adam Amin, Eric Karros, Adam Wainwright and Tom Verducci

MLB.com Gameday

Baseball-reference.com game preview

Astros vs. Athletics at Dodger Stadium, 3:37 p.m. CT

Framber Valdez, LHP vs. Sean Manaea, LHP

TV: TBS. Announcers: Don Orsillo, Jeff Francoeur and Matt Winer

MLB.com Gameday

Baseball-reference.com game preview

This will be the only thread for today’s afternoon games. There will be another one for today’s night games. Enjoy, and discuss amongst yourselves.