Thanks to mammoth two-run homers from Hanley Ramirez and Cameron Maybin, the Marlins kept up their surprising playoff push Tuesday night with a 4-2 victory over the Mets.

"We know we have to win every day, but we don't try to put a lot of pressure on us," Ramirez said. "We stay in the race. That's all it's about."
Florida overcame an early exit by injured starter Rick VandenHurk and remained six games behind first-place Philadelphia in the NL East. The Marlins, who opened the season with a major league-low $37 million payroll, are 51/2 behind Colorado for the NL wild card.

Matt Lindstrom worked a perfect eighth and Leo Nunez got three quick outs for his 19th save, bouncing back from a miserable outing in Washington. The right-hander threw five pitches Sunday and gave up two homers, allowing the lowly Nationals to rally from three runs down for a 5-4 victory.

"He did a nice job. Closers, they've got to have short-term memories. He seems to do that," Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "I thought he pitched today. I thought he did a nice job pitching instead of just throwing. Hopefully he can get better and better."

Brian Sanches (4-1) tossed two scoreless innings for the win. VandenHurk left with a 4-1 lead after the fourth because of a stiff back. He is day to day.

"Just some tightness. I'll be fine," VandenHurk said. "I'm pretty sure it's not going to be anything serious."

Ramirez, the NL's leading hitter, drove a pitch from Tim Redding (2-5) to left in the third. The shot appeared to clip the bottom of a sign that hangs from the facade of the second deck.

Maybin connected off Redding in the fourth after Ross' double, a drive that sailed over the home run apple nestled behind the 408 sign on the center-field fence.

It was the third career homer for Florida's prized outfield prospect - and first since he was recalled from Triple-A New Orleans on Aug. 31.

"I don't think we've even seen half the stuff he can do," Gonzalez said.