Braves 1 - 0 Marlins
Final
  for this game

Hanson, Braves shut out Marlins 1-0

Jun 8, 2011 - 5:53 AM

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Miami, FL (Sports Network) - Alex Gonzalez's solo home run was all that Tommy Hanson and the Atlanta bullpen needed to edge the Florida Marlins, 1-0, in the opener of a three-game set at Sun Life Stadium.

Over six innings, Hanson (7-4) allowed two hits and five walks while striking out six to outduel Brad Hand, who was making his major league debut.

Hand (0-1), allowed just one hit -- the solo blast to Gonzalez -- and fanned six over six innings.

"Outstanding performance by Brad Hand," said Marlins manager Edwin Rodriguez. "He threw a one-hitter for six innings and, you know, we waste another good outing by the pitchers. But Brad Hand, he was great for us. The poise was excellent. I mean, he looks like he's been in the big leagues for a long time."

In all, the Marlins, who have dropped six in a row, were 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position and left 10 men on base.

Craig Kimbrel tossed a scoreless ninth to pick up his 18th save of the season. Eric O'Flaherty and Jonny Venters also worked scoreless innings for Atlanta, which snapped a two-game losing streak and moved past Florida into sole possession of second place in the NL East.

Hand was toying with a no-hitter entering the fourth, when Gonzalez led off with a deep shot into the left field stands. The home run and resulting RBI were Gonzalez's first since May 8.

The Marlins appeared on the cusp of breaking through in the sixth, loading the bases with two down. Mike Stanton hit a sharp grounder back through the box, but Dan Uggla was positioned directly up the middle and was able to get the unassisted force at second to end the threat.

After John Buck reached second with one down in the seventh, the Marlins were again left wanting, as Wes Helms and Omar Infante sandwiched a Chris Coghlan walk with infield fly outs.

"Several times we could've won that game with one swing of the bat," said Buck.

Game Notes

The Braves are 23-7 when they score first this season and 10-21 when allowing their opponent to score first...The Marlins are 14-17 at home this season...Kimbrel picked up his 17th save of the season Friday night at New York to set the rookie record for saves before the All-Star break...Hand posted a 7-1 record with a 3.53 ERA in 11 starts with Double-A Jacksonville this season.






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