MIAMI — A.J. Pierzynski hit a two-run homer and five pitchers combined on a six-hitter Wednesday to help the Atlanta Braves complete a three-game sweep by beating the Miami Marlins 2-0.
The season-opening sweep was the first for the Braves since 2007. They’re supposedly rebuilding, while the Marlins have playoff hopes, but Atlanta outscored Miami 16-3 in the series.
The 38-year-old Pierzynski, playing in his first game with his newest team, broke up a scoreless tie in the seventh inning against Tom Koehler (0-1).
Shelby Miller made his first start with the Braves and allowed four hits in five innings. Former Lee University pitcher Brandon Cunniff (1-0) followed with 1 2/3 perfect innings for his first major league victory.
Jason Grilli, who assumed the closer’s job when Craig Kimbrel was traded on the eve of the season, pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his second save in as many chances.
The Braves lowered their ERA to 1.00, while the Marlins are batting .200. Giancarlo Stanton, Miami’s $325 million slugger, struck out three times and is batting .125. Adeiny Hechavarria is 0-for-10.
Koehler held the Braves scoreless until his 92nd and final pitch. He gave up a leadoff single in the seventh to Freddie Freeman, and Pierzynski followed with a homer.
For the third game in a row, the Marlins loaded the bases and failed to score. Miller escaped the jam when Michael Morse grounded out to end the inning.
Success for the Braves is nothing new at Marlins Park, where they are 22-9.
Right fielder Stanton looked like a wide receiver — which he was in high school — when he saved at least one run in the fourth inning by chasing down Freeman’s deep fly. Stanton made a running, over-the-shoulder catch that left him sprawled on the grass, quickly rose and threw a strike to first to double up Nick Markakis.
Left-handed pitcher Eric Stults (8-17, 4.30 ERA for the Padres in 2014) will start in Atlanta’s home opener Friday against the Mets and Jonathon Niese (9-11, 3.40).
“Last year, at the beginning of the season, I had a rough patch,” Stults said. “Then the last two or two and a half months, I really felt I started throwing the ball well.”