MIAMI, July 30 (UPI) -- Cody Ross contributed a two-run triple during a five-run fourth inning Wednesday and Florida went on to down the New York Mets 7-5.
The loss knocked the Mets a half game behind Philadelphia in the race for the National League East crown. Florida is a 1 1/2 games behind the Phillies and a game back of the Mets.
Florida's big inning gave the Marlins a 5-1 lead and Philadelphia closed within 5-4 in the seventh. Dan Uggla then gave Florida some insurance with a two-run shot in the eighth inning, his 26th of the year.
Kevin Gregg surrendered a run on three hits in the ninth, but still picked up his 23rd save and allowed Josh Johnson to pick up his first win of the season.
After experiencing shoulder problems over the past two years, Johnson (1-0) made his fourth start of 2008 and gave up four runs on eight hits in 6 2/3.
Johnson also doubled home a run in the fourth inning.
