ATLANTA, Sept. 24 (UPI) -- Marcus Giles put Atlanta in front with a two-run single in the eighth Friday night as the Braves clinched the division title with an 8-7 win over Florida.
Giles had three hits, two RBI and two runs scored. The Braves ended a two-game losing streak and won their 13th straight division crown.
The defending World Series champion Marlins have lost nine of 12.
Atlanta faced a 7-5 deficit going into the eighth, but Julio Franco started the inning with a walk, Andruw Jones singled and Charles Thomas reached on a bunt to load the bases.
Rafael Furcal brought in Franco with a sacrifice fly and Giles gave the Braves the lead with his single.
Travis Smith (2-3) earned the victory with a scoreless inning and John Smoltz walked one in a scoreless ninth to record his 41st save.
