Braves 6, Marlins 1
Freddy Garcia worked six strong innings and Freddie Freeman belted a two-run homer and scored a pair as Atlanta clinched a series win over host Miami.
Chris Johnson and Evan Gattis each doubled in two runs in support of Garcia (1-1), who allowed one run on five hits in his first start since joining the team. Justin Upton walked three times and scored twice for the Braves, who maintained their 11-game lead over Washington in the National League East.
Brian Flynn (0-1) was knocked around for six runs on as many hits and six walks in four innings during his second major-league start. Donovan Solano singled in the lone run for the Marlins, who dropped three of four in the series.
Flynn walked the bases loaded to begin the third inning before Gattis ripped a double down the line in left to give Atlanta a 2-0 lead. Johnson followed and drove the next pitch into the left-field corner to double the advantage.
Miami got a run back in the bottom of the frame but left the bases loaded when Garcia induced Logan Morrison to fly to center. Upton worked a two-out walk in the fourth in front of Freeman, who celebrated his 24th birthday by belting a 2-2 breaking ball into the stands in right to give the Braves a 6-1 lead.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Flynn was pushed up a day in the rotation in place of RHP Nathan Eovaldi, who sat with tightness in his back. … Braves LHP Paul Maholm (elbow) had an MRI show no structural damage on Wednesday. He could return to the team as soon as next week. Atlanta RHP Brandon Beachy (elbow) also had an MRI that showed inflammation in his surgically repaired elbow and could be done for the season. … Atlanta returns home for a three-game series against the San Diego Padres on Friday while the Marlins begin a road trip at the New York Mets.