ATLANTA — Tommy Hanson did not give up an earned run in his recovery from back-to-back ugly losses and the Atlanta Braves moved a season-best 15 games over .500 with a 4-1 win over the Florida Marlins on Saturday.
Hanson (8-5) allowed five hits and an unearned run with eight strikeouts and two walks in 6 2-3 innings. The second-year right-hander's return to form came after he yielded a combined 15 runs in two straight losses while failing to complete the fourth inning in both starts.
Hanson, who has never lost more than two consecutive decisions, struck out four straight batters in the sixth and seventh. He is 3-0 in four career starts against Florida.
Gregor Blanco hit a two-run single off Anibal Sanchez (7-5) in Atlanta's four-run fourth.
Billy Wagner, who had a blown save in the Braves' 4-3 win over Florida on Friday night, pitched a perfect ninth for his 17th save.
The NL East-leading Braves (48-33) reached the midpoint of their season. They are 6-2 on their nine-game homestand.
The Marlins have lost three straight.
Hanson gave up two hits and a walk as the Marlins loaded the bases with one out in the sixth. Hanson pitched out of the jam by striking out Cody Ross and Ronny Paulino.
Hanson left the game after giving up a single to Chris Coghlan and a walk to Gaby Sanchez with two outs in the seventh.
Peter Moylan struck out Hanley Ramirez on three pitches to end the inning.
The Braves took a 4-1 lead in the fourth on three straight run-scoring hits off Anibal Sanchez by Omar Infante, Yunel Escobar and Blanco. Escobar's double to right-center drove in Brian McCann, who reached on an infield hit. Blanco's single to center drove in Infante and Escobar.
Infante, who had the game-winning hit in the Braves' 4-3 win in 11 innings Friday night, had two hits.
Anibal Sanchez gave up seven hits and four runs in six innings. He gave up more than three runs in a game for only the third time in his last 14 starts, but each of the three are in his last six outings.
Florida scored an unearned run in the second. Hanson hit Ross with a pitch. Ross stole second and advanced to third on McCann's throwing error. Second baseman Martin Prado dropped Ronny Paulino's popup for an error, allowing Ross to score.
NOTES: Atlanta 1B Eric Hinske moved in from LF, where he has made 31 starts, to give Troy Glaus, who has a sore left knee, a day off. ... Florida called up INF Donnie Murphy from Triple-A New Orleans before the game. INF Brian Barden, who was hitting .179 in 28 at-bats, was designated for assignment. ... Marlins manager Edwin Rodriguez said Paulino, who made his 24th straight start at catcher, will be given a rest Sunday when Brett Hayes starts.