Hicks Homers In Ninth, Braves-Marlins End In Tie

KISSIMMEE, FL – Atlanta’s Brandon Hicks hit a tying solo home run with two outs in the ninth and the Braves and Florida Marlins played 11 innings before calling it a 4-4 tie.

Tim Hudson pitched six solid innings for Atlanta and rookie first baseman Freddie Freeman homered and singled. Hudson, National League comeback player of the year last season, allowed one run, gave up four hits, struck out four and walked two.

Florida took the lead in the seventh on a two-run double by Dewayne Wise off reliever George Sherrill. Wise also doubled leading off the game and scored the only run against Hudson.

Marlins starter Ricky Nolasco worked five innings. He allowed seven hits and three runs in the third. He struck out three and walked none.