JUPITER, Fla. --- Tommy Hanson pitched like he was in midseason form Wednesday for the Atlanta Braves.
Hanson allowed one run on six hits in five innings in Atlanta's 4-2 win over the Marlins. It was the longest outing of the spring for Hanson, who is projected to be Atlanta's No. 3 starter.
"Really sharp. Best he's looked all spring," said manager Bobby Cox.
Hanson gave up a leadoff single in the first inning to Chris Coghlan, who was bunted to second before scoring on Hanley Ramirez's single. But the Marlins didn't do much else against Hanson, who effectively mixed in 10 changeups out of his 76 pitches.
"I think that's the best I've thrown my changeup ever," said Hanson, who used the pitch to strike out Coghlan swinging in the third inning.
"It has to come off your hand a certain way and that's why I've always battled with it; it was inconsistent coming out of my hand. It feels a lot more comfortable than it did last year. With that pitch I can get some quicker outs with it and use it a little behind in the count instead of always having to rely on my slider and fastball."
Hanson is 1-0 with a 1.93 ERA -- two runs in 9Q innings -- with one walk and 10 strikeouts in three games this spring.
Marlins left-hander Andrew Miller was charged with four unearned runs on three hits and two walks in two innings.
Miller allowed one hit over his first two innings before two errors led to the four unearned runs in the third. Second baseman Hector Luna muffed a potential double-play ball. With two outs, Miller walked two consecutive batters to load the bases before Brian McCann singled. Right-fielder Bryan Petersen misplayed the hit, allowing all three runs to score.
But after Miller left, Clay Hensley came in and pitched himself into contention for a spot. Hensley allowed two hits over 4Q scoreless innings, extending his scoreless streak this spring to 10q innings.
"This guy has put himself in a position to become one of those starters," said manager Fredi Gonzalez.
NOTES: Braves rightfielder Jason Heyward was 1 for 3. He's batting .440 (11 for 25) 11 games. ... Marlins center fielder Cameron Maybin (left groin) returned for the first time since March 7 and went 0 for 1 in two innings. He will play again today against the Mets. ... ...The Marlins released former All-Star closer Derrick Turnbow.
The Augusta Chronicle ©2012. All Rights Reserved.
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