The Tomahawk Times - Three-run first propels Marlins over Braves, 7-2

ATLANTA -- The surprising first place Florida Marlins rolled into town and broke out the lumber against the Atlanta Braves. Hanley Ramirez and Mike Jacobs connected for home runs in a three-run first inning that set the pace for a 7-2 win over the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday.

Ramirez has been one of baseball's hottest hitters in the season's first month, clubbing his seventh homer of the season on the second pitch of the game from Jeff Bennett. Jacobs followed suit with his seventh homer three batters later, a two-run shot that gave Florida a 3-0 advantage.

The Braves had their chances against young left-hander Andrew Miller (1-2), who struggled through the first two frames before settling in over the next three. A run-scoring single by Mark Teixeira in the first and a homer by Matt Diaz in the second was all the offense Atlanta could muster on the night.

Miller needed 99 pitches over five innings to earn his first win of the season. Despite nine hits and two walks, Miller limited Atlanta to just two runs. The Braves left runners on base in every inning against Miller.

Florida went back to work in the late innings, cobbling together two-run frames in the eighth and ninth to pad their lead. Blaine Boyer pitched well but was the victim of some well placed hits and a throwing error by Yunel Escobar that helped fuel the frame for Florida.

Chris Resop was victimized for two more Marlins runs in the ninth inning. Dan Uggla collected his third hit of the night, a two-run triple that put Florida ahead 7-3.

In his third starting assignment this season, Jeff Bennett (0-1) overcame the three run first and gave Atlanta a quality start, three earned on five hits over six innings of work. Bennett walked just one and struck out four in an 80-pitch effort.

On Deck: The series continues on Thursday when Chuck James takes the mound for the third time this season. Burke Badenhop will make the start for the Marlins. Game time is set for 7:10 PM EST.