The Miami Marlins wrap up what has been a long regular season at home, hosting the Atlanta Braves at loanDepot park on Saturday, September 26, with first pitch set for 4:10 PM ET. Jack Ralston gets the ball for Miami against Atlanta's Brent Suter in a divisional matchup that carries real NL East weight. Whether the Marlins are playing for pride, positioning, or something more meaningful down the stretch, this is a chance to close out the home slate with a statement against one of the division's most familiar rivals.
Starting Pitching Matchup: Jack Ralston vs. Brent Suter
Jack Ralston draws the assignment for Miami, and this is the kind of start that matters for a young pitcher looking to build credibility heading into an offseason. Ralston will need to work efficiently and keep Atlanta's lineup from getting into a rhythm early. The Braves are a team capable of generating big innings, so limiting walks and first-pitch strikes will be essential if Ralston is going to give Miami a shot to win this ballgame.
On the other side, Atlanta sends Brent Suter to the hill. Suter is a veteran left-hander with enough experience to keep a lineup off-balance with pitch mix and location. Miami's hitters will need to stay disciplined at the plate and avoid expanding the zone against a pitcher who knows how to get batters to chase.
Keys to Watch for the Marlins
- Ralston's command: The young starter's ability to throw strikes early in counts will determine how deep he can go into this game. Walks against Atlanta lead to trouble fast.
- Plate discipline against Suter: Suter is the kind of pitcher who lives in the edges. Miami's lineup needs to work counts and make him throw strikes rather than giving away at-bats on borderline pitches.
- Bullpen depth: Late September means rosters are expanded and arms are available. How Miami manages the back half of this game could be just as important as Ralston's start.
- Home crowd energy: loanDepot park has the potential to be a factor on a Saturday afternoon. Miami plays better when the stadium is alive, and a vocal home crowd can shift momentum in tight moments.
How to Watch and Listen
The game broadcasts on Marlins.TV presented by Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia and BravesVision for television viewers. Radio coverage is available in English on 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan and 560AM WQAM, and in Spanish on WAQI 710.
Prediction
This one figures to be a low-scoring, competitive game. Ralston has something to prove in a late-season start, and pitching in front of a home crowd at loanDepot park gives him a lift. If he can get through five or six innings with the lead intact, Miami's bullpen can close it out. Marlins win a tight one, 3-2.
