Mathis adding clutch hits to repertoire

ATLANTA -- Jeff Mathis is doing much more than handling the pitching staff and throwing out baserunners.

The Marlins' veteran catcher has also delivered some big hits of late.

With a two-run double in Wednesday's 6-3 win in Atlanta, Mathis ran his streak with at least one RBI to five straight games, a personal best. Included in the stretch is a walk-off grand slam last Sunday to beat the Padres.

His 13 RBIs over his last five games is tied with Hanley Ramirez (June 21-26, 2009) for the longest stretch of two-plus-RBI games in club history.

"I keep trying to get good pitches to hit," Mathis said. "Guys are grinding in front of me, getting on base and having good at-bats. I'm just glad I can get in those situations."

Mathis opened the season on the disabled list with a broken right collarbone. So he missed all of Spring Training.

Now, after a slow start, his numbers are improving.

"Any time you see more pitches and get more at-bats, for anybody, I think that's a plus," Mathis said. "Right now, I'm fortunate to be in there a little more and get those at-bats and see those pitches. I'm starting to feel a little more rhythm at the plate."