Johnson helps Marlins beat Cards 5-2

[September 17, 2009]  ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Josh Johnson struck out nine in six effective innings to help the Florida Marlins beat the St. Louis Cardinals 5-2 on Wednesday.

Cody Ross had three hits and drove in two runs for Florida, which has won 10 of 14 to stay in the playoff race. Ross extended his hitting streak to 11 games, the longest current streak in the NL, and was 5 for 12 in the series.

Florida (78-68) moved within four games of wild card-leading Colorado, which was at San Francisco on Wednesday night.

Johnson (15-4) gave up one run and nine hits in his 23rd quality start of the season. He is tied for third in the National League in wins.

The Cardinals rallied in the ninth. Jason LaRue walked with one out and Mark DeRosa followed with a double to left. Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez then replaced Brian Sanches with closer Leo Nunez, whose wildness got the Marlins into more trouble.

Nunez hit Ryan Ludwick and Albert Pujols to force in a run before coaxing Matt Holliday into a game-ending double play for his 22nd save in 28 opportunities.

Central-leading St. Louis fell to 1-5 on its nine-game homestand and lost back-to-back series for the first time since June 22-28 against the New York Mets and Minnesota.

Joel Pineiro (14-11) gave up four runs and 10 hits in 5 1-3 innings for St. Louis.

Eight of Florida's first 10 batters reached safely. John Baker and Ross had RBI singles and Dan Uggla also drove in a run in the first with a fielder's choice.

Johnson helped himself in the second, leading off with an infield single before eventually coming home on Jorge Cantu's sacrifice fly.

Julio Lugo had an RBI single in the sixth for St. Louis.

NOTES: The first 17 hits in the game were singles. ... The teams split the six games in the season series. ... St. Louis has managed two or fewer runs in four of its last five losses. ... St. Louis closer Ryan Franklin, who blew his last two save opportunities, pitched a scoreless ninth inning.

Associated Press]

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