MIAMI (AP) — Matt Kemp hit two home runs to power the Atlanta Braves to a 6-3 win over the Miami Marlins on Thursday night.
Freddie Freeman singled in the third inning to extend his hitting streak to 26 games and drove in two runs for the Braves, who have won six straight for the third time this season.
Atlanta’s Josh Collmenter (3-0) pitched seven innings and allowed two runs.
Mauricio Cabrera pitched the ninth for his fifth save in six chances.
Ender Inciarte, Wednesday’s hero with the game-saving catch at the New York Mets, went 2 for 4 with a triple and scored twice.
J.T. Realmuto homered for the Marlins, who cut the deficit to 6-3 on an RBI double by Martin Prado in the eighth. Justin Bour flew out with two on to end the threat.
Kemp’s multihomer game was the 10th of his career and third this season.
Kemp’s 33rd home run of the season and second of the game was a solo shot to left field in the sixth. It was caught on a bounce by Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow, who also threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Freeman’s 26-game hitting streak is the longest of his career and the longest active streak in the majors. It is the fifth-longest for the Braves since moving to Atlanta in 1966. Freeman has also reached base in 42 consecutive games.
Freeman’s two-run triple and Kemp’s two-run homer broke the game open in the third, giving the Braves a 5-0 lead.
Marlins starter Jose Urena (4-8) allowed five runs and four hits in three innings.
INCIARTE’S CATCH
Inciarte’s impressive catch in Wednesday’s 4-3 win at the New York Mets is the highlight of his potential Gold Glove-winning season.
“If that don’t win him a Gold Glove, I don’t know what will,” Braves interim manager Brian Snitker said. “I’ve been saying it all along, he’s unbelievable.”
In addition to his impressive defensive plays in center field, Inciarte is also one of the hottest hitters in baseball since the All-Star break with a major league-leading 94 hits.
“He’s kind of burst onto the scene here and everybody is aware of him now and rightfully so,” Snitker said. “He’s as good as it gets.”
NEXT UP
Braves: RHP Matt Wisler (7-12, 4.93 ERA) will start Friday’s game at Miami. Wisler has allowed two runs or fewer in three of his last four starts including an eight-inning, one-run performance at Arizona on Aug. 25.
Marlins: RHP Andrew Cashner (5-11, 5.27) will be looking to toss at least six innings for just the second time in his last nine starts.
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