Prado keeps on producing as Marlins stay hot

MIAMI -- They each drove in three runs, and came up with clutch hits on Sunday in the Marlins' 9-5 win over the Braves at Marlins Park.

But the moment that epitomized the day and symbolized how the Marlins are progressing came in the seventh inning when third baseman Martin Prado made a diving stop and throw across the diamond that caused first baseman Justin Bour to tumble head over heels.

Pinch-hitter Daniel Castro opened the seventh with a grounder that Prado had to leave his feet to stop. From his knees, Prado threw to first. Bour maneuvered to scoop the ball while avoiding a collision.

The magic followed, as the 6-foot-5, 250-pound first baseman flipped backwards and over after securing the out. The play summed up the Marlins right now: They are loose, having fun and getting the job done.

Video: ATL@MIA: Prado plates two, gives Marlins the lead

"I'm a little upset with my landing, to be honest with you," the first baseman joked. "Normally, I stick that. I wasn't really prepared to do that in the middle of a baseball game. But that's all Martin. You've got to give all the credit to him on that play. It was incredible."

Bour, who has kept things loose with his belly tap after delivering big hits, showed some nimble footwork around the base.

"He's a big boy. He caught the ball," Prado said. "It's fun to watch him play right now."

The Marlins' corner infielders came up big all day. Bour belted two home runs and drove in three runs, while Prado had two singles and three RBIs.

With the win, the Marlins secured third place in the National League East, and they finished 41-40 at home, while also winning their fifth straight.

Video: ATL@MIA: Bour drills a pair of home runs

"We've been playing pretty good baseball, all around," Prado said. "They're not trying to do too much. I think everybody is having fun. We got to the point where we had no pressure. We don't have anything to lose. Everybody is loose. Everybody is going out there, giving their best."

Since Aug. 31, the Marlins are 16-8, and they're 15-8 in September.

Manager Dan Jennings calls Prado the captain of the team, a title that the veteran third baseman isn't entirely comfortable with. Still, Prado doesn't shy away from the responsibility of setting a good example every day.

"In my 30 years, he's as much of a winning ballplayer as I've ever been around," Jennings said. "He's fun to watch. Every game he keeps guys up and he's energy. You can't say enough positive about what Prado is as a ballplayer and as a person. It would be easy to put 'Captain' on his chest because he's become that."