Marlins Sweep Mets, Gaining on Phillies
A 13-4 win keeps a glimmer of wild card hope alive for Marlins
Updated 8:45 AM EDT, Fri, Sep 11, 2009
Nick Johnson has hobbled through some pretty good at-bats since returning from the disabled list, and his teammates have noticed his effort.
Johnson had a pair of two-run singles Thursday night and the Marlins beat the listless New York Mets 13-4 to gain ground on the NL East-leading Phillies.
"That just tells you what kind of gamer he is," Dan Uggla said. "He's just a clutch hitter."
Since returning from a right hamstring strain on Sept. 3, Johnson has at least one hit in each of his six games and has driven in nine runs despite noticeably struggling on the bases.
"It's been a while for me but this is what it's all about," Johnson said about being in a playoff race. "I'm not pushing it. Even though I'm feeling better out there I'm just trying to keep the speed and go from first to third at that speed, do the treatment and try to stay out there."
Hanley Ramirez and Cody Ross each had three hits and two RBIs for the Marlins in New York. Uggla hit his 27th homer in the third inning.
Johnson delivered in the seventh and eighth as the Marlins missed their season high for runs by one and amassed 16 hits.
Ross added an RBI single for a 3-0 lead on a fly to shallow center that appeared to be catchable. He also had an RBI double in the fifth.
The Marlins wrapped up a 5-1 trip and moved within five games of Philadelphia, which lost 8-7 at Washington. They also remained 51/2 back of the wild card-leading Rockies with 22 games remaining, including six against the Phillies.
"It's a fun part of the year if you're doing it," Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez said of scoreboard watching.
First Published: Sep 11, 2009 7:35 AM EDT
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