Braves rally past Marlins with 4-run 9th inning

[August 27, 2008]  ATLANTA, Ga. (AP) -- Yunel Escobar's single capped a four-run ninth inning against Florida closer Kevin Gregg and gave the Atlanta Braves a 10-9 victory over the Marlins on Tuesday night.

With the bases loaded and one out, Gregor Blanco grounded into what could have been a game-ending double play. But shortstop Hanley Ramirez was unable to pull the ball from his glove as Mark Kotsay slid into second, and Jeff Francoeur scored to make it 9-all.

Escobar then singled into shallow right field against Gregg (6-7), who has eight blown saves in 37 chances.

Florida, which began the night 5 1/2 games back in the NL East, overcame a 3-0 first-inning deficit and led 8-4 in the eighth. But the Marlins were done in by eight walks.

Gregg struck out Chippers Jones to end the eighth with the bases loaded, then faced eight batters in the ninth and allowed five hits and a walk. Omar Infante singled and scored on a double by Martin Prado, who came home on Francoeur's single to make it 9-8.

Kelly Johnson singled, Clint Sammons fouled out and Mark Kotsay, the subject of trade rumors involving Boston, pinch hit and was intentionally walked to bring up Blanco.

Will Ohman (4-0) got the win despite allowing a run-scoring double in the ninth to Cody Ross, who went 3-for-5 with a homer and four RBIs.

Atlanta had closed to 8-6 in the eighth when Arthur Rhodes walked Blanco with the bases loaded and Joe Nelson walked Escobar with the bases loaded.

Mike Jacobs, batting .096 in his previous 11 games, hit his 26th homer, a two-run drive off Julian Tavarez that gave Florida a four-run lead in the seventh.

Braves starter Jair Jurrjens, who gave up six runs, six hits and two walks in a season-low three innings. Florida's Scott Olsen allowed four runs, five hits and three walks in 5 1-3 innings.

Notes: Jones played in his 2,000th game, most in Atlanta history. He ranks third in franchise history behind Hank Aaron (3,076) and Eddie Mathews (2,223). ... Sammons' RBI single in the sixth ended a 0-for-17 streak.

[Associated Press; By GEORGE HENRY]

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