AP News
(2009-08-02 03:28:26)
MIAMI (Reuters) - The Florida Marlins scored three runs in the eighth inning to propel them to a 5-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Friday.
John Baker hit a RBI single with two outs in the eighth to put the Marlins ahead before pinch hitter Wes Helms followed with a two-run double as Florida stayed in contention for a National League (NL) wild card spot.
"I think that's what separates the good teams from the average teams -- the ability to come through under pressure, the ability to come through in the clutch," Baker told reporters.
"That's why teams go to the playoffs and teams win the World Series. You come to the end of the year, and every game has at-bats like that. You have to be able to relax."
The loss knocked the Cubs out of first place in the NL Central Division, just one day after they had seized it from the St. Louis Cardinals.
The Cardinals regained the divisional lead with a 4-3 win over Houston.
Brendan Donnelly (1-0), who has pitched 10 scoreless innings since joining the Marlins, retired two batters in the eighth for his first NL victory.
Leo Nunez tossed a hitless ninth inning for his ninth save as Florida's bullpen continued to keep the Marlins in games.
"I have all the confidence in the world in those guys," Florida manager Fredi Gonzalez said of his relievers. "You keep putting them in situations, and they keep coming through."
The Marlins have now won eight of their last 10 games and also added some experience and power to their lineup on Friday, signing Washington first baseman Nick Johnson minutes before the trade deadline. He is expected to be in the lineup on Saturday.
Chicago's Carlos Marmol (2-2) entered the game in the eighth inning and walked the first two batters he faced.
Two outs later Baker's single scored Dan Uggla from second base and Helms then followed with his two-run double.
"He has walked a lot of people this year," Cubs manager Lou Piniella said of Marmol, who has walked 46 batters in 50 innings. "Because he's so talented, he has gotten out of it, but sooner or later it's going to bite you."
Jeremy Hermida had two hits and scored twice for the Marlins, while Jorge Cantu hit a solo homer and walked three times.
Jake Fox hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning for the Cubs.
(Writing by Roger Lajoie in Toronto; Editing by Greg Stutchbury)
