MILWAUKEE -- Brian Anderson noticed Jimmy Nelson was struggling with his breaking ball, and he took advantage.

Anderson hit his first career grand slam, Sandy Alcantara pitched seven crisp innings and the Miami Marlins spoiled Nelson's return to the majors, beating the Milwaukee Brewers 8-3 on Wednesday night.

Starlin Castro and Bryan Holaday each drove in two runs as the surging Marlins earned their fourth straight victory. Curtis Granderson had two hits and scored twice in his first multihit game since May 24.

Nelson lasted just three innings in his first big league start in 21 months. The right-hander was cheered loudly when he was introduced with the starting lineup and then received another big ovation from the Miller Park crowd of 26,615 when he went out to the mound for the first.

Nelson, who turned 30 on Wednesday, was working on a breakout season in 2017 when he injured his pitching shoulder diving back to first after rounding the base on a single. He had surgery and missed last year, when Milwaukee won the division title and made it to the NL Championship Series.

"The reception from the fans and the excitement of all the teammates and staff here the last day or two is something I'll always remember and always appreciate, " Nelson said. "That was the best moment of the day, obviously."

The last-place Marlins have outscored the Brewers 24-3 through the first two games of the series. Miami has won seven of nine and 13 of 18 overall.

"I just think we're playing with a little bit of confidence right now. Up and down the order we're getting production," manager Don Mattingly said. "Guys are taking their walks. I just feel like we're keeping the line moving right now and putting the ball in play."

Orlando Arcia had a run-scoring double in the second and Yasmani Grandal connected for a two-run homer in the ninth, but that was it for Milwaukee.

Grandal also tried to score on Arcia's tying double to center, but he was cut down at the plate on a nice relay by shortstop Miguel Rojas. He was originally ruled safe, but the call was overturned by a replay review.