Well, the Miami Marlins will finish the 2026 Major League Baseball season with a losing record, but just barely, after an 8-3 loss to the Atlanta Braves in the second-to-last game of 2026.

But despite the defeat, the Fish can take solace in the way they have played this last week, capped by taking two-out-of-three from the playoff-bound Chicago Cubs and a career-best complete-game, one-hitter from young starter Eury Perez. And after taking Game 1 at loanDepot Park, there was a chance to give the hometown fans a series sweep of a playoff powerhouse before the lights went out on the season.

It wasn't to be, however, as the Braves racked up 10 hits and made them all count, scoring eight runs in angving up  efficient show of force by their offense. Michael Harris II had four hits (including two doubles) and added a late home run to help Atlanta (now 94-67) cruise to an easy victory. 

Jack Ralston (0-3), a reliever who was pressed into MLB's newly minted 'opener' position, got nailed early. He took the loss after giving up three earned runs in just 1.1 innings of work. The bullpen worked seven innings and only allowed seven hits, but Atlanta's timely hitting helped them clean up the basepaths. 

 Victor Meideros was credited with the victory for the Braves, pitching two scoreless innings of relief. He is now an impressive 6-1 on the year, with a 3.41 ERA in 30 appearances. Altogether, six pitchers helped piece together the triumph, scattering seven Marlins' hits throughout the contest.

With the loss, the Marlins (79-82) are now guaranteed a losing season. Even if they come out on top tomorrow, they would still fall win short of the .500 mark. For a team that went a franchise-record 20-6 in June and held an esteemed spot in the Wild Card race, their late-season collapse carries a lot of sting with it. Finishing with an even record would have at least nursed some of those wounds.

Still, the rebuilding process continues. Prior to manager Clayton McCullough's arrival, the Marlins went 62-100. In his first year at the helm, the new skipper led the team to an encouraging 79–83 record, finishing third in the National League East. This season has been almost the same, with the Marlins having the chance to either tie that mark or surpass it by one win in the season finale.

Janson Junk is expected to start for Miami, while the Braves will counter with righty JR Ritchie. Game time at loanDepot Park is scheduled for 3:10 PM ET.