Miami @ Colorado preview
Coors Field
Last Meeting ( May 23, 2012 ) Colorado 8, Miami 4
The Miami Marlins snapped a franchise-record 30-inning scoreless streak en route to salvaging the finale of their last series. The visiting Marlins will look to keep their bats warm on Thursday when they open a four-game set against the fellow cellar-dwelling Colorado Rockies. Greg Dobbs homered among his three hits versus his former team as Miami posted a 9-2 triumph over Philadelphia on Wednesday.
Colorado has struggled mightily at home this season, but its come-from-behind 7-6 triumph over Milwaukee enabled manager Jim Tracy's club to record its first home sweep since winning four straight versus Houston on May 28-31. Carlos Gonzalez was a key contributor against the Brewers, going 7-for-10. The Rockies have won six of their last nine.
TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, FSFL (Miami), ROOT (Colorado)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Ricky Nolasco (9-11, 4.90 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Alex White (2-6, 5.82)
Nolasco snapped a five-game losing skid by working five innings in a 7-3 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday. The 29-year-old has enjoyed success versus Colorado, winning six of seven career decisions while registering a 1.19 WHIP. Nolasco permitted four runs on eight hits in a 7-6 win over the Rockies on May 22.
White, who is searching for his first victory since June 3, pitched just four innings in his last outing. The 23-year-old defeated Miami on May 23 despite yielding four runs on eight hits in six innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Miami's Justin Ruggiano exited Wednesday's contest due to a right oblique intercostal strain. Ruggiano admitted that he thought he'll need a day or two to rest.
2. Colorado's Eric Young Jr. has homered in two straight games and has three in his last seven contests. He has yet to face Nolasco in his career.
3. Miami's Emilio Bonifacio began his rehab assignment for Class A Jupiter on Wednesday. Bonifacio, who is nursing a strained left thumb, is tentatively scheduled to return to the Marlins on Sunday.