MIAMI -- Perhaps it's just coincidence, but the Braves are unbeaten since Nick Markakis was moved to the top of the batting order.
Markakis delivered another outstanding game at the plate Saturday night in the Braves' 6-4 win against the Marlins. The veteran right fielder was 3-for-5 with three RBIs, raising his batting average to .341 and giving him 12 RBIs for the season.
It's the second consecutive game that Markakis has been in the leadoff spot, and the second consecutive game that he's come through with hits in key situations. Following his RBI single that sparked a four-run eighth inning in Atlanta's 6-3 win Friday night, Markakis delivered an RBI double in the Braves' three-run fourth inning Saturday.
"Nicky is getting some RBI situations up at the top of the order," Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "We said, 'This is our best hitter, let's give him some opportunities,' so we moved him to the top of the order. With Nick, it doesn't matter. He's swinging the bat well right now. We told him we're going to leave him up there for a little while."