Stanton Lifts Marlins Past Braves 5-4 In 12 Innings

ATLANTA – Mike Stanton’s pinch-hit single in the 12th inning drove in the go-ahead run and the Florida Marlins beat Atlanta 5-4 on Monday night to extend the Braves’ slump.

The Braves, coming off a 2-6 road trip, have lost four straight and nine of 12. They still lead St. Louis by 4 1/2 games in the NL wild-card race.

Braves rookie right-hander Anthony Varvaro (0-2) walked John Buck to lead off the 12th. Pinch-runner Brett Hayes moved to second on Bryan Peterson’s sacrifice before Varvaro issued an intentional walk to Donnie Murphy.

Stanton, held out of the starting lineup due to a strained right hamstring, lined a 1-2 pitch from Cristhian Martinez into left field to drive in Hayes.

The Marlins have won four straight. Clay Hensley (4-6) pitched two scoreless innings for the win. Leo Nunez pitched the 12th for his 35th save.