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Dietrich's work results in homer binge

SAN FRANCISCO -- The Marlins' Derek Dietrich accomplished some personal history Friday night.

The 24-year-old launched a third-inning pitch from Yusmeiro Petit into the right-field seats, giving him homers in consecutive games for the first time in his career. But the developing second baseman, who also hit a solo shot Thursday, said he hasn't been trying to hit the ball out of AT&T Park.

"Just trying to have quality at-bats," Dietrich said. "Anytime I'm hitting in front of [Giancarlo] Stanton, my main goal is try and get on base for the big man and put a good swing on it. Just nice easy swings and trying to be on time for every pitch."

After batting .214/.275/.405 with nine homers and 23 RBIs in 57 games last season, Dietrich has upped his slash line to .250/.353/.455 this season with five homers and 14 RBIs in 30 contests. He also recorded a hit in nine of his first 11 starts in the month of May, while earning some praise from skipper Mike Redmond in the process.

"I think what you're seeing is a guy who's made adjustments from last year to this year," Redmond said. "He's able to recognize offspeed pitches better, his at-bats are better. He'll still get up there and be aggressive at times, overaggressive maybe, but that's part of being a young player in the big leagues. He brings a lot to this team. He's got a chance to hit some home runs and play some solid defense."

Alex Espinoza is a contributor to MLB.com. Adam Berry is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter at @adamdberry.
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