Realmuto, Straily help Marlins end losing streak vs. Braves

May 11 (UPI) -- Miami Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto was a triple short of the cycle in a 6-3 win against the Atlanta Braves Friday at Marlins Park in Miami, Fla.

Realmuto's 3-for-5 effort included a single, double and home run. He had two RBIs and scored twice out of the leadoff spot. He also backed up a strong starting outing by Marlins righty Dan Straily, who earned his first victory of the season.

"Every time I gave up a run, we scored sometimes the next pitch," Straily said. It was really nice to go up there and have that kind of run support. Just knowing that I have to keep us right there. Just keep going. The goal is a zero every single inning. You just got to keep going. These guys just kept going tonight. They just kept putting together quality at-bat after quality at-bat."

The win broke a four-game losing skid for the home squad.

Miami got on the board in the top of the first inning when Starlin Castro grounded out, but brought in Realmuto from third base.

The Braves tied the score at 1-1 when Ozzie Albies took Straily deep to right field in the top of the third frame. The Marlins jumped back on top when Realmuto hit the first pitch of the bottom of the third frame up the stands in left field for a solo home run.

Atlanta loaded the bases in the fourth inning, but scored just once after Straily issued a walk to Ryan Flaherty. Lewis Brinson tied the score again for the Marlins with an RBI double in the bottom of the inning. Realmuto brought in another run with an RBI single in the same inning, giving the Marlins a 4-2 edge.

The Braves closed the gap with a Nick Markakis RBI double in the top of the fifth inning. But the Marlins answered back again in the bottom of the frame. Castro hit a leadoff solo shot to center field, drilling the Marlins' home run sculpture in the process. Miguel Rojas then brought in Brian Anderson on an RBI single, giving the Marlins a 6-3 edge.

Miami's bullpen kept the game scoreless over the final four innings to close out the victory, ending the Marlins' sour skid.

Realmuto had his last chance at a cycle-completing-triple in the bottom of the eighth frame, but hit into a double play. The National League East franchise has never had a player hit for the cycle.

"Hopefully this kinda gets us going back the momentum at least," Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. "The streak gets halted and now we are able to try to put a game together tomorrow night."

The Marlins and Braves face off in the third game of the four game series at 7:10 p.m. Saturday at Marlins Park.