Atlanta Braves top Miami Marlins in Miami

The Atlanta Braves secured their second win on the year after a 5-4 victory over the Miami Marlins on Wednesday night.  The Marlins showed signs of life on offense as their star slugger Giancarlo Stanton blasted two home runs, but it was not enough as Braves catcher Trey Flowers hit a two out single in the top of the 9th to give the Braves a 5-4 lead they would not relinquish.

Stanton Launches Two Homers

It had been a relatively slow start to the season for the Marlins slugger as seven games into the season Stanton had yet to hit a home run. However, Stanton broke out of this slump last night as he blasted two over the fence against the Braves.

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This offensive production from Stanton is a welcome sign to Marlins fans as his bat is going to be a key if they want to improve from last year’s record of 79-82.  After the game last night, Marlins manager Don Mattingly praised Stanton for his performance at the plate. So far on the year, Stanton is batting .290 with 2 home-runs and 6 RBI.

Braves Storm Back

The Marlins had a 4-3 lead headed into the top of the 8th behind an outstanding pitching performance from starter Tom Koehler, who made it through six innings only allowing five hits and giving up three earned runs.  After a clean 7th inning the Marlins put in set-up man Junichi Tazawa to get through the 8th as they nursed their one run lead.  Tazawa was able to collect the first out of the inning, but then gave up a one out home run to Braves center fielder Ender Inciarte which tied the game at three.

This was Inciarte’s second home run of the night as he hit one off Koehler in the top of the third.  Inciarte ended the night 2-4 from the plate, accounting for two home runs and three runs batted in.

The Marlins were also unable to contain the Braves in the top of 9th as Braves catcher Trey Flowers hit a game winning RBI single with two outs, scoring Brandon Philips from second.

Marlins Look Ahead

Although the Marlins took a tough loss against the Braves, there is a lot they can learn from such a close game.  One big key to the rest of the season according to Mattingly is having a more consistent and diverse offensive attack.  This last game against the Braves is a prime example, as Stanton drove in all four runs for the Marlins.  If the Marlins wish to go far this season, they will have to get offensive production from other spots in their lineup in addition to Stanton.

The next game for the Marlins will be tonight, as they welcome in the New York Mets. First pitch for that matchup is scheduled for 7:10.