Miami @ Boston preview

Miami at Boston

Last Meeting ( Jun 20, 2012 ) Miami 5, Boston 15

The Boston Red Sox have rebounded from one of their worst skids of the season - and the turnaround has come largely at the expense of the Miami Marlins. Boston pounded out four home runs and amassed its highest run total in a 15-5 rout of the Marlins on Wednesday to run its winning streak to four games. Since losing seven of eight games, the Red Sox have bounced back to win six of their last seven, including four straight against Miami. The Red Sox go for a series sweep Thursday.

Miami's offense has finally perked up, putting up five runs in each loss to Boston after scoring only 21 runs in 12 games entering the series. The Red Sox, though, have clubbed seven home runs in the series, including a pair by David Ortiz, who broke open Wednesday's game with a grand slam. Marlins LF Logan Morrison is 4-for-7 with two homers and six RBIs in the series.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSFL (Miami), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Carlos Zambrano (4-5, 3.92 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH Daisuke Matsuzaka (0-2, 5.73)

Zambrano will be happy to see any opponent other than the Tampa Bay Rays after getting shelled in his last two starts. He was knocked out of the game after only two-plus innings last time out against the Rays and lasted only 2 1/3 innings in his previous start against them. Zambrano cited bad mechanics as the reason for yielding six walks, which tied a season high.

Matsuzaka will be seeking his first win as he makes his third start since returning from Tommy John surgery. He gave up three early runs before settling down in a 3-0 loss to the Chicago Cubs last time out, and was victimized by one bad inning in a 4-2 loss to Washington in his season debut. Marlins catcher John Buck is 5-for-10 with a pair of doubles against Matsuzaka.

WALK-OFFS

1. Ortiz has four home runs and 11 RBIs during a six-game hitting streak.

2. Miami has posted a 51-35 record in May over the past three seasons. It has gone 20-50 in June during that same span.

3. Red Sox OF Daniel Nava tied his career high with four hits Wednesday.