Marlins Snap Four Game Slide

Helms, Jacobs Ignite Five Run Seventh Inning

MIAMI GARDENS (AP) ―

Wes Helms hit a three-run, pinch-hit homer and Mike Jacobs added a two-run shot in the seventh inning Saturday night, helping the Florida Marlins beat the Kansas City Royals 7-3 and snap a season-high four-game losing streak.

The Marlins also denied Kansas City its first six-game winning streak since beginning the 2003 season with nine straight victories.

Luis Gonzalez opened the seventh with a single and Mike Rabelo walked on four pitches to set up Helms' homer off Brian Bannister (4-5), his sixth career pinch-hit homer. Jeremy Hermida singled moments later and Jacobs homered off reliever Ron Mahay.

Logan Kensing (3-0) pitched one inning in relief of Scott Olsen, who gave up three runs and seven hits in six innings. Olsen walked five (two intentionally) and struck out three.

Bannister gave up six runs and seven hits in 6 1-3 innings. He walked two and struck out five.

The Marlins tied the score at 2 in the fourth, when Jacobs hit a run-scoring triple and scored on Jorge Cantu's two-out single.

Jacobs was in the starting lineup for the first time since May 7, when he had a tight right quad. His triple to right-center was the result of center fielder Joey Gathright and right fielder David DeJesus colliding while both players were attempting to catch the ball at the wall.

Jose Guillen's two-run double in the third gave Kansas City a 2-0 lead, and Billy Butler's two-out double in the fifth gave Kansas City a 3-2 lead.

Florida shortstop Hanley Ramirez was 0-for-3 with a walk and three strikeouts. Earlier in the day, the Marlins formally announced the $70 million, six-year contract extension for Ramirez at the site of their future ballpark.

Kansas City was trying to reach .500 for the first time since being 9-9 on April 19.

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