Eric Hinske snapped a tie with a pinch-hit, two-run homer during a three-run seventh inning, leading the Atlanta Braves to a 3-2 victory over the Florida Marlins on Tuesday.

Brooks Conrad added an RBI triple for the Braves, who entered with a half-game lead over the San Diego Padres in the National League wild-card race. The Padres play later Tuesday night.

Atlanta had been limited to four hits over the first six innings by Anibal Sanchez before breaking out in the seventh. Melky Cabrera led off with a single and advanced on a sacrifice bunt before scoring on Conrad's triple.

After Sanchez struck out Rick Ankiel, Hinske - batting for rookie reliever Craig Kimbrel - deposited a 2-2 pitch over the right-field wall for his 11th home run of the season and a 3-1 lead.

Kimbrel (4-0) picked up the win after striking out the side in the top of the seventh. Dan Uggla hit a leadoff homer off Peter Moylan in the eighth, but Jonny Venters recorded the final two outs of the inning and Billy Wagner struck out three in the ninth for his 36th save in 43 opportunities.

Tim Hudson worked six strong innings on three days’ rest for Atlanta, yielding one run and seven hits with four walks and four strikeouts.

Sanchez (12-12) allowed three runs and seven hits in 6 2/3 innings. The right-hander walked two and struck out six in suffered his third straight loss and fourth in five decisions.

Cameron Maybin had an RBI single and Mike Stanton went 3-for-4 for the Marlins, who have lost five of six.