Conine Blasts Marlins Past Phillies

Jeff Conine was so thrilled by his home run Tuesday that he pumped his fist, something he said he has done only one other time in a 12-year career.

His teammates were excited too. They mobbed Conine at the plate to celebrate the biggest hit in the Florida Marlins’ biggest game this season.

Conine’s three-run homer against Philadelphia’s Kevin Millwood highlighted a five-run seventh inning, as Florida rallied to beat the fading Phillies, 5-4.

The Marlins took a two-game lead over the Phillies in the National League wild-card race with five games to go.

“This team is doing it on emotion,” said Conine, a member of the Marlins’ 1997 World Series championship team who was reacquired Aug. 31. “The way we’ve been winning games and having fun, you’ve got to like our chances.”

A shaky start by Dontrelle Willis left the Marlins trailing, 3-0, but they rallied to keep from falling into a tie with the Phillies.

“This took a little wind out of their sails,” said Juan Pierre, who reached base three times for Florida. “But the way this season has gone back and forth, I’m not going to say anything. [Today] is an even bigger game.”

The Phillies badly needs a victory in the second of the three-game series. Brett Myers (14-8) is set to face Florida’s Josh Beckett (8-8).

“These guys are professionals,” Philadelphia Manager Larry Bowa said. “They won’t quit until they pull the plug on the respirator.”

The Marlins will be tough to catch, with their final five games at Miami. They have won 23 of their last 29 home games, best in the major leagues.

They are “an outstanding bunch of warriors,” Manager Jack McKeon said.