Locked On Marlins POSTCAST: Bellozo + Bullpen Strong, Marlins Top Braves 4-3 in Series Opener

Jake Burger's ground rule double jumpstarted a three-run first inning for Miami, Valente Bellozo gave them a quality start and the bullpen pitched 3 2/3 scoreless innings in a series-opening 4-3 win over the Atlanta Braves that severely damaged the Braves' playoff chances at the worst possible time. 

The Braves (83-71) entered Friday two games back for the last NL wild-card spot.

 Miami (57-97) is on track for its worst record since going 57-105 in 2019. 

Kyle Stowers singled and doubled for Miami. Stowers' RBI single and Jonah Bride's sacrifice fly made it 3-0 Miami. Connor Norby scored two runs, including the game-deciding insurance run on a wild pitch in the fifth inning. 

Bellozo pitched 5 1/3 innings- giving up three runs on seven hits- to earn the win. Anthony Bender, Lake Bachar, Declan Cronin and Jesus Tinoco (save, 2) held it down from there. 

Charlie Morton (8-9) took the loss for Atlanta. The right-hander went six innings, allowing four (earned) runs on seven hits. He is 0-2 in his last three starts. 

Ramon Laureano and Orlando Arcia homered, and former Marlin Jorge Soler had a sacrifice fly for the Braves, who only had three runners reach second base in the game. 

Burger was voted the Marlins' most valuable player for the 2024 season by South Florida's chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Right-hander Declan Cronin was voted top rookie. 

Marlins RHP Sandy Alcantara (Tommy John surgery) is playing light catch. RHP Eury Pérez (Tommy John surgery) began light throwing at 45 feet. Alcantara, the 2022 NL Cy Young Award winner, is scheduled to make his return at the start of next season, Perez is set to come back right around the all-star break. 

The Braves (83-71) are two games behind the New York Mets, two and a half behind the Diamondbacks and three behind the Padres in the NL wild-card race. 

--- 'LIVE' Instant Reaction from Jim GRIES" Grieshaber 'LIVE' ----- 

Miami (57-97) is 2-2 on this final homestead of the season. The Braves are 7-4 against the Marlins this season. 

The Marlins and Braves play the second of this three-game series tomorrow at Loan Depot Park, with RHP Adam Oller (1-4, 5.40) pitching for Miami, and LHP Max Fried (9-10, 3.49) starting for the Braves. 

We will be here 'LIVE' right after the game with your Locked On Marlins POSTCAST, hosted by Jim "GRIES" Grieshaber. 

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