Stanton slams 50th homer in victory

MIAMI — 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 Marlins sweep the Padres with a 6-2 victory.

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 the Brewers in 2007.

With the score tied 2-2, Dee Gordon singled to lead off the eighth. Stanton then drove a 2-1 slider from Clayton Richard into the hedge in center field. Fans roared as Stanton celebrated with teammates after returning to the dugout, and the curtain call prompted chants of “M-V-P! MV-P!”

“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.”

Said Gordon: “I don’t know who else deserves it more.”

Stanton’s 17th homer in August tied him for the second-most in major-league history in the month, behind Rudy York’s 18 in 1937. Stanton also doubled home a run and singled to hike his average to .296. He now has a career-high 108 RBIs.

“He’s as locked in as anybody I’ve ever seen,” Padres manager Andy Green said.