Atlanta, GA (Sports Network) - Freddie Freeman belted the game-winning two-run
home run in the bottom of the ninth inning as the Atlanta Braves clinched a
playoff spot with a 4-3 victory over the Miami Marlins in the opener of a
three-game series at Turner Field.
Facing Mike Dunn (0-3), Chipper Jones led off the frame with a double into the
right-center field gap and moved to third on a wild pitch by Dunn. After
taking the first two sliders for a 1-1 count, Freeman hammered a low fastball
deep and over the center field wall, sending the Braves to the postseason for
the second time in the last three seasons.
Craig Kimbrel (3-1) earned the win with a scoreless top of the ninth. Starter
Kris Medlen went seven strong innings, allowing three runs on five hits with
eight strikeouts. The Braves have won each of Medlen's last 22 starts dating
back to 2010.
The Sports Network