Penny Is Worth a Lot in Marlins’ Victory

Brad Penny is starting to get better results with less hard work.

Penny, who has stopped throwing in the bullpen between starts, gave up four hits and a run in six innings as the Florida Marlins defeated the Atlanta Braves, 5-1, Monday night at Miami to end Kevin Millwood’s eight-game winning streak.

With more rest between outings, Penny said he feels stronger than he has all season. He hit 98 mph on the radar gun several times.

“It felt really good,” Penny said. “That’s probably the hardest I’ve ever thrown.”

Penny (7-6) struck out eight and walked two. He walked Matt Franco to start the seventh, then gave way to Florida’s bullpen.

*

Cincinnati 4, Pittsburgh 3--Reggie Taylor’s third single of the game ended an eighth-inning tie at Pittsburgh.

The Reds averted elimination from the National League Central race with their sixth victory in nine games.