Baker's sacrifice fly in 9th inning beats Braves

[September 02, 2008]  MIAMI (AP) -- Jorge Cantu homered and John Baker hit a bases-loaded sacrifice fly to drive in the winning run in the ninth, helping the Florida Marlins beat the Atlanta Braves 4-3 on Monday.

Baker's fly ball to shallow left drove in Dan Uggla, who beat left fielder Brandon Jones' throw to the plate.

The Marlins loaded the bases in the ninth off closer Mike Gonzalez (0-1). Uggla led off with a walk then went to second on a sacrifice bunt. Gonzalez intentionally walked Cody Ross, then walked Wes Helms to fill the bases.

Matt Lindstrom (3-2) pitched the ninth for the Marlins and got the win.

Florida started the day seven games back in the NL East, but hasn't won two games in a row since the end of July.

The Braves have lost four straight and 17 of their last 21 games to fall 20 games under .500 for the first time since 1990.

Atlanta had runners on the corners in the ninth, but Martin Prado popped out to end the inning.

The Marlins took a 2-0 lead on Cantu's home run off Hampton in the first. His shot over the left field scoreboard scored Hanley Ramirez, who walked to lead off the inning.

The Braves made it 2-1 in the second when Brandon Jones singled to drive in Yunel Escobar, who led off the inning with a single.

Paul Lo Duca and Luis Gonzalez hit back-to-back doubles to give the Marlins a 3-1 advantage in the third.

The Braves scored twice in the fifth to tie the game at 3. Brandon Jones doubled to lead off, then Hampton singled Jones to third. Jones scored on Josh Anderson's single. One out later, Chipper Jones drove in Hampton on a bouncer up the middle.

Florida starter Josh Johnson pitched six innings, allowing three runs and nine hits while striking out eight.

Braves starting pitcher Mike Hampton tossed six innings. He gave up three runs and six hits.

[Associated Press]

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