ATLANTA (Reuters) - The Atlanta Braves brought a four-game losing streak to a shuddering halt with a resounding 12-3 victory over the Florida Marlins Saturday.
The win allowed the Braves to maintain a two-game lead in the National League East over the Philadelphia Phillies, who had earlier defeated the San Diego Padres 3-1.
Right-hander Tim Hudson, who had no decisions in his previous two starts, recorded his 15th win of the season, striking out 13 batters in seven innings while allowing one run on six hits and one walk.
The Braves sent 11 batters to the plate and scored six runs in the second inning to end the night for Marlins starter Ricky Nolasco, who gave up seven hits and three walks.
The Braves added to their lead with two runs in the third, fourth and seventh innings.
Third baseman Martin Prado went 2-for-4, with a home run, two runs scored and five RBIs to lead the Atlanta offense, while catcher Brian McCann went 2-for-3 with three runs batted in.
(Reporting by Mike Mouat in Windsor, Ontario; Editing by John O'Brien)
