Philadelphia @ Miami preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 3, 2012 ) Miami 5, Philadelphia 1

Winless Cliff Lee and Miami ace Josh Johnson square off when the Marlins host the Philadelphia Phillies in Friday’s opener of a three-game series between two highly disappointing National League East clubs. Lee is hoping his 13th start of the season will be the lucky one, while Johnson was the victim of poor run support in his previous four June starts. The Phillies are in last place, a half-game behind the Marlins.

Miami is just 6-18 in June after dropping two of three against the St. Louis Cardinals earlier this week. The Marlins were an NL-best 21-8 in May before struggling badly this month. Miami has scored just six runs in Johnson’s four June outings. Philadelphia lost to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday to conclude a 5-5 homestand. The Phillies scored 51 runs during the 10-game stretch but also allowed 51 runs. Second baseman Chase Utley (knee) was used as a pinch hitter Thursday one day after making his season debut with three hits and a homer. First baseman Ryan Howard (Achilles’ tendon) has begun a rehab assignment.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, WB17 (Philadelphia), Fox Sports Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies LH Cliff Lee (0-4, 3.72 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Josh Johnson (4-5, 3.96)

Lee gave up five runs and six hits in seven innings while losing to Tampa Bay in his last start. He has allowed 14 earned runs in 20 innings over his last three outings. Lee has taken a no-decision in all six of his road starts. He is 2-0 with a 2.31 ERA in five career starts against the Marlins.

Johnson was roughed up by the Phillies on April 11 when he gave up six runs and 11 hits in 3 2/3 innings. He has allowed just six runs over his four starts despite being just 1-2 during the stretch. Johnson took a no-decision against the Toronto Blue Jays in his last outing when he gave up one run and two hits in seven innings. He is 5-4 with a 3.68 ERA in 15 career appearances (13 starts) against Philadelphia.

WALK-OFFS

1. Philadelphia hasn’t won when scoring four or fewer runs since beating the St. Louis Cardinals on May 26.

2. Phillies SS Jimmy Rollins is hitting .333 in 33 career at-bats against Johnson.

3. Marlins C John Buck is batting .317 with three homers in 41 career at-bats against Lee.