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Redmond: Ozuna's homer 'big boost' in win

SAN FRANCISCO -- It took 98 at-bats before Marcell Ozuna delivered his first home run of the season, which came on Thursday night at AT&T Park. The Marlins' center fielder needed just six more at-bats to connect for the second time.

Ozuna's home run off Madison Bumgarner on Saturday night jump-started the Marlins on their way to a 6-2 victory over the Giants.

"When you go up against a guy like Bumgarner, you're not going to get a lot off a guy like that," Marlins manager Mike Redmond said. "He competes. He executes his pitches. He limits the damage."

Ozuna's drive to center opened what was a three-run fourth inning. Bumgarner, despite striking out 10, was out of the game after five innings.

As a team, the Marlins struck out a season-high 15 times. But the offense did enough damage.

Ozuna got things rolling.

"I'm trying to put the ball in play," Ozuna said. "He's one of the best pitchers in the league. I don't try to think too much. I wanted to put the ball in play and see what happens."

A year ago, Ozuna belted 23 home runs. But he had been in a power drought until his home run on Thursday night in a 7-2 win.

On Saturday, both starters -- David Phelps for Miami -- were putting up zeros early.

"It was important for us to strike first, and Ozo got that big hit," Redmond said. "It was a big boost for us. We were able to put together some at-bats there, and got three runs. He doesn't give up a lot. Then it was up to Phelpsy and the bullpen to hold that thing down."

Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. He writes a blog, called The Fish Pond. Follow him on Twitter @JoeFrisaro.
Read More: Miami Marlins, Marcell Ozuna