Marlins' Stanton launches 50th HR of season

​Roused from its apathy for baseball, South Florida let out a long roar Sunday for Giancarlo Stanton, who responded with a wave from the top step of the dugout, affording the crowd a good look at the sport's newest 50-homer man.

Stanton reached the round number with a tiebreaking drive in the eighth inning, helping the surprising Miami Marlins sweep the San Diego Padres with a 6-2 victory.

Giancarlo Stanton hits 50th homer of season as Marlins sweep Padres

7 years ago

Duration 0:47

Stanton's two-run homer in the 8th inning broke open a 2-2 tie as the Miami Marlins swept the San Diego Padres 6-2. Stanton is the first NL player to hit 50 homers in a season since Prince Fielder in 2007

Baseball fever broke out at Marlins Park, where Stanton earned a curtain call for the first time since the place opened in 2012.

"For here, that's about as lively as they've been," he said.

The crowd of 23,725 was typical for the attendance-challenged Marlins, but fans went wild when Stanton became the first National League player to reach 50 homers since Prince Fielder hit 50 for Milwaukee in 2007.

With the score 2-all, Dee Gordon singled to lead off the eighth. Stanton then drove a 2-1 slider from Clayton Richard (6-13) into the hedge in centre field.

Fans roared as Stanton celebrated with teammates after returning to the dugout, and the curtain call prompted chants of "M-V-P! M-V-P!"

"He deserves it," Gordon said. "I don't know who else deserves it more."

"We're a bit early," Stanton said with a chuckle, "but it's cool that they're showing love like that. I really appreciate it."

Stanton also walked, doubled home a run and singled, going 3 for 3 to hike his average to .296. He increased his RBI total to 108, a career-high.

His 17th homer in August tied him for the second-most in major league history in the month, behind Rudy York's 18 in 1937.

"He's as locked in as anybody I've ever seen," Padres manager Andy Green said.