ATLANTA – Miami Marlins pitcher Pablo López delivered big in a must-win situation, even after a long rain delay gave the right-hander and his teammates more time to think about what was at stake.
Jon Berti had three hits, including a two-run double, and López allowed only two hits in five scoreless innings as the Marlins beat the Atlanta Braves 4-2 Thursday night to boost their playoff hopes.
Miami snapped a four-game losing streak. The Marlins (29-28) are competing for a wild-card spot as they try to reach the playoffs for the first time since winning the World Series in 2003.
“It means a lot,” López said. “Obviously, every game is important in a short season like this one, but we knew coming into this one today this was the biggest one so far.”
The Marlins can control their playoff status when they close the regular season with a three-game road series against the New York Yankees that starts Friday. Marlins manager Don Mattingly said every game carries added pressure.