Miami @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 18, 2012 ) Miami 1, Chi. Cubs 5

It has been a season of streaks for Miami Marlins left-hander Mark Buehrle, who will make his return to Chicago to face the Cubs on Thursday. After starting the season 1-4 – his only victory a 9-1 triumph over the Cubs on April 18 – Buehrle won four straight decisions, lost four straight and enters the finale of the three-game series riding a four-game winning streak. Buehrle was 161-119 in 12 seasons with the White Sox prior to signing with Miami as a free agent. He is 3-2 at Wrigley Field.

Cubs left-hander Paul Maholm also comes in hot with a three-game winning streak and has allowed only two runs in his last four games (three starts) covering 22 1/3 innings. Chicago snapped a six-game losing streak to Miami with a 5-1 victory Wednesday in a game shortened to 7 1/3 innings because of rain. The Cubs, who were outscored 48-19 by the Marlins during the losing streak, have won 13 of their last 18 games, including four of five since the All-Star break.

TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, FS Florida, CS Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins LH Mark Buehrle (9-8, 3.13 ERA) vs. Cubs LH Paul Maholm (7-6, 4.33)

Buehrle has been dominant during his recent run. He has pitched at least seven innings and struck out at least seven in his last four starts, including a 2-1 victory over Washington on Saturday. He has lowered his ERA by 0.69 during the winning streak. Buehrle is 6-4 against the Cubs in his career. The Chicago roster is hitting .221 against him, with Alfonso Soriano 7-for-40 (two homers, 10 strikeouts).

Maholm was 0-4 in eight previous starts prior to his hot streak. He allowed one run, six hits and struck out five in an 8-1 victory over Arizona on Friday. He is 3-5 with a 5.67 ERA in eight starts against Miami. The Marlins’ roster is hitting .296 against Maholm, with Hanley Ramirez 6-for-17 (two homers, three RBIs).

WALK-OFFS

1. Miami CF Emilio Bonifacio tripled, doubled and singled Wednesday.

2. Chicago 2B Darwin Barney went 2-for-3 on Wednesday and is 6 for 15 in his last five games.

3. Miami RHP Heath Bell has three straight scoreless appearances since losing his closer’s role prior to the All-Star break.