Freeman, Santana pace Braves past Marlins

photo Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) celebrates in the dugout after hitting a three-run home run in their game against the Miami Marlins in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 23, 2014.

ATLANTA - Freddie Freeman hit a three-run homer, Ervin Santana won his second straight start and the Atlanta Braves beat the Miami Marlins 6-1 on Wednesday night.

The victory pulled Atlanta within one game of first-place Washington in the NL East.

Third-place Miami snapped a three-game winning streak to stay 8½ games back.

Freeman, an All-Star first baseman, broke out of a slump in the season series against the Marlins, ending a 2 for 44 stretch by hitting his 14th homer as the Braves took a 5-0 lead in the four-run third inning.

Santana (9-6) won for third time in four starts, giving up six hits and one run with three walks and 10 strikeouts in 7 1-3 innings.

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