Miami Marlins Beat Braves in Home Opener

(Updated 12:55 a.m. on Wednesday) MIAMI, FL — Helped by a pair of home runs by Marcell Ozunaas, the Miami Marlins cruised to an 8 to 4 win over the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday in the season's home opener at Marlins Park. The Marlins take on the Braves again Wednesday night at 7:10 p.m.

When the Marlins took the field for Tuesday's game they had three familiar faces from the 1997 World Series Championship team to inspire them. Liván Hernández, Charles Johnson and Edgar Rentería all took part in the ceremonial first pitch at Marlins Park. (Sign up for our free Daily Newsletters and Breaking News Alerts for the Miami Patch.

The 4-3 Marlins opened their first homestand of the 2017 season against the struggling 1-6 Braves. The Marlins are in third place in the National League East standings while the Braves were in fifth place going into Wednesdays game.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the first Marlins victory in a World Series following an unforgettable deciding game seven over the Cleveland Indians.

Like Miami Patch on Facebook

With Hernández as the starting pitcher and Johnson behind the plate, the Fish became the first wild card team to win the Fall Classic thanks to an extra-innings single from Renteria.

As Patch reported last week, Former Yankee great Derek Jeter and former presidential hopeful Jeb Bush may be courting Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria to purchase the team. The asking price for the team is reportedly as high as $1.6 billion.

Members of the U.S. Air Force Brass Quintet sang the national anthem prior to the home opener, and members of the U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants sang "God Bless America" during the seventh inning stretch.

The Marlins also presented Christian Yelich with his 2016 Silver Slugger Award before the start of the game and recognized Martín Prado, Giancarlo Stanton, Edinson Volquez and Yelich for their participation in the 2017 World Baseball Classic.

Dan Straily started for the Marlins in Tuesday's game.

On Friday, the first 10,000 fans will receive a Don Mattingly Bobblehead, courtesy of Aquafina. On Saturday, the first 10,000 fans will receive a Marlins Wall Calendar. In addition, the Marlins will celebrate Jackie Robinson Night on Saturday, and have fireworks to celebrate the start of the season.

The Marlins will host Passover at the Park on April 16, which includes a performance from 8th Day and a kosher for Passover menu available pregame on the West Plaza. On Sunday, April 16, kids ages 10 and under will be able to participate in a Marlins Easter Egg Hunt at the West Plaza prior to the game, and will also be able to take their photo with the Easter Bunny.

For more information regarding events, promotions, and ticket specials taking place during this upcoming homestand, visit Marlins.com/Promotions.

Photo of Marcell Ozuna courtesy Miami Marlins