Giancarlo trying to end tough year with a bang

NEW YORK -- One month won't salvage a season, but it would go a long way toward giving Giancarlo Stanton at least a sliver of satisfaction.

With the schedule winding down, Stanton is picking things up.

In Friday's 4-3 loss to the Mets, the 23-year-old Marlins slugger belted two solo home runs off Jonathon Niese.

It was Stanton's ninth career multihomer game, and third this season.

"It's getting there," the 2012 All-Star said. "We've got a few weeks left, so keep it up."

Stanton came into Saturday having hit four homers in his past six games.

Overall, his numbers are nowhere close to his expectations or standards. He's batting .256 with 22 homers, 52 RBIs and a .370 on-base percentage.

Due to injuries, he entered Saturday having appeared in 100 games.

In 2012, Stanton was second in the National League in home runs with 37, and he batted .290 with a .361 on-base percentage. His .608 slugging percentage was tops in the Majors.

There has been plenty of speculation about Stanton's future with the Marlins. He will enter arbitration next year for the first time.

But the Marlins plan to keep Stanton, and they will look to build around him.

Regardless of the team's record, Stanton is seeking to re-establish himself as one of the premier sluggers in the game.

So when asked how important these final games are, he replies: "Very."

He also has perspective.

"I'll never get back how terrible I've been," he said.