Posted May 18, 200618 yr TODAY'S PITCHING MATCHUP vs. Scott Olsen vs. Jorge Sosa (2-2, 5.16) vs. (0-5, 6.52) Staying close with the Braves hasn't been a problem for the Marlins. Finding a way to close them out has been. After three straight nights of watching late-inning leads disappear, the Marlins will try to salvage the series finale on Thursday afternoon at Turner Field. The Marlins are hopeful that rookie Scott Olsen turned the corner in his last start. Struggling to throw strikes throughout the season, the left-hander collected a win at Pittsburgh. In six innings, he walked two and had a career-high nine strikeouts. Fastball command is crucial for Olsen, who labored with that until his appearance against the Pirates. His performance also was monumental because he was able to clear the fourth inning. In his three previous starts, he hit wild streaks in that frame. Able to find the plate, Olsen logged 115 pitches, a season high. In his last three starts, he has struck out 14 in 12 2/3 innings. The Braves are starting right-hander Jorge Sosa, who is going through a rough spell. Sosa is 0-5, and he comes off a no-decision while facing the Nationals. In that game, he gave up five runs on nine hits in 5 2/3 innings. The Braves are now 5-1 against the Marlins this season. Pitching matchup FLA: LHP Scott Olsen (2-2, 5.16 ERA) Olsen was impressive in his last outing, beating the Pirates after tossing a career-high nine strikeouts over six innings of three-run ball. Most telling, however, was that the left-hander issued just two walks. And to top that, he escaped unscathed from the fourth inning, which has haunted him all season. In his lone career appearance against the Braves last season, in which he came out of the bullpen, the 22-year-old gave up two runs in 1 1/3 innings of work. ATL: RHP Jorge Sosa (0-5, 6.52 ERA) Sosa, who owned the National League's best winning percentage last year, is winless after six starts. He possesses an electric fastball that he often finds trouble locating in clutch situations. The right-hander has continued to prove to be more of a thrower than a pitcher. Opponents are hitting .331 against Sosa, who was 1-1 with a 2.91 ERA against the Marlins last year. Player to watch Matt Diaz delivered a pinch-hit single in the ninth inning on Wednesday night, helping the Braves rally past the Marlins in 11 innings. Diaz, a native of Florida, is now 10-for-11 against Marlins pitching this season. On the Internet MLB.TV Gameday Audio ? Gameday ? Official game notes On television ? FSN On radio ? 560 WQAM, 1140 WQBA (Espa?ol)
May 18, 200618 yr Lez Go Marleeeeeeennnnnnzzzz!! :disguise2 The Fighten Fish can definitely crack Sosa for some serious runnage. I say 9 runs outta do it.
May 18, 200618 yr It's so crazy, we could be playing for a 4-game series sweep right here. :lol I demand a win, and I demand it now.
May 18, 200618 yr oh man, I love weekday and Saturday day games! This one is no exception! GO FISH, let's win one for a change, we're playing well!
May 18, 200618 yr Author It's so crazy, we could be playing for a 4-game series sweep right here. :lol I demand a win, and I demand it now. i agree 100% with hotcorner.... :marlins
May 18, 200618 yr Argh.. Grr.. Meh.. Just make us happy at the end of this game. Maybe my manager will send me home today. I am really sick. I'm coughing, sneezing and I have sniffy nose. I hate day games (Thurs-Sun).
May 18, 200618 yr Lets just win...I personally dont care if Sosa takes a complete game shutout into the top of the 9th, as long as we score there and win.
May 18, 200618 yr lineup Uggla Reggie Miggy C Hamma Borchard Jake Treanor Andino (suprised Hanley's not playing...he seemed ok yesterday) Olsen BRAVES: Giles Renteria Admin Andruw Francouer Diaz BJor McCann Sosa
May 18, 200618 yr Glad Hanley is out. Better to be safe then sorry having a day game after a late extra inning game. Get him rested up for interleague play.
May 18, 200618 yr Imagine if we had Todd Jones :drool . Eww. Spooneybarger's one thing, but Mr. Moustache?
May 18, 200618 yr alright boys!! Lets get this one today!! I LOVE day games!!! I'm here at my girlfriend's school (shes got finals) and I was gonna watch a Family Guy dvd...but then remembered the game was on!!! :thumbup
May 18, 200618 yr Author DOH Wow Reggie is up to .250 YAHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HOME RUN!!! GO REGGIE!!! :bases_homerun:
May 18, 200618 yr Imagine if we had Todd Jones :drool . Eww. Spooneybarger's one thing, but Mr. Moustache? I never liked Todd Jones :plain
