The Atlanta Braves defeated the Miami Marlins by a final score of 9-1 on Wednesday. Atlanta now leads the four-game series 2-1 heading into the contest on Thursday. Chris Sale led the way on Wednesday, as he continues to pitch at a Cy Young-caliber level this season.

The southpaw turned in seven innings of one-run baseball. Sale struck out eight hitters while walking no batters and allowing four hits. The Marlins do not exactly feature the best offense in the game, but Sale's performance should certainly not be overlooked. 

Sale now has a 1.89 ERA across 10 starts in 2026. He has added 72 strikeouts in his 62 innings on the mound. 

It looks like Sale will be a Cy Young contender once again in the National League. There is plenty of competition in the NL, but Sale could certainly be among the favorites.

As for the game itself, the Braves did not have any trouble with the Marlins. Victor Mederos followed Sale's stellar performance with two innings out of the bullpen. Atlanta's offense also performed at a high level.

The lineup scored nine runs on 11 hits. Dominic Smith and Austin Riley both hit home runs in the game. Smith, Michael Harris II, and Ozzie Albies all had two-hit games.

It was an all-around strong performance by the Braves. The pitching and hitting found success against the Marlins to say the least.

The Braves and Marlins will play once again in Miami on Thursday night. Atlanta can clinch a series victory with a win. Following the series against the Marlins, the Braves will return home to host the Washington Nationals.

Atlanta has the best record in the National League with a mark of 34-16 this season. The Braves continue to play at an elite level. They look like a serious World Series contender right now.

The Philadelphia Phillies and Nationals are currently tied for second place in the National League East, but they both trail the Braves by nine games. Meanwhile, the Marlins are 12 games back while the New York Mets are 12.5 games behind the Braves. 

The Marlins could certainly use a victory on Thursday, but upsetting the Braves will be a challenge without question.

First pitch for the Marlins and Braves game is scheduled for 6:40 PM EST on Thursday night in Miami as Atlanta looks to clinch another series win.