Milwaukee @ Miami preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 5, 2012 ) Miami 4, Milwaukee 0

Two teams which figured in February they would play meaningful games in September meet in Miami, and both are looking toward 2013. Milwaukee is playing its best baseball of the season, winning 11 of its past 13 games. The Brewers just finished a home sweep of Pittsburgh, scoring 24 runs in the three victories. Miami has dropped eight of its past 10, scoring 16 runs in those eight losses.

The Marlins start Ricky Nolasco in the opener of a four-game series. Nolasco dominated Washington in his past start. The Brewers turn to Mike Fiers, who looks to extend his winning streak to three starts. Milwaukee and Miami split four games at Miller Park in July, with Fiers taking a 4-0 loss in the finale.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Wisconsin (Milwaukee), Fox Sports Florida (Miami).

PITCHING MATCHUP: Milwaukee RH Mike Fiers (8-6, 2.85 ERA) vs. Miami RH Ricky Nolasco (10-12, 4.78).

Fiers continues to be a pleasant surprise for the Brewers. He’s won his past two starts and five of his last seven outings. He beat the Cubs on Wednesday, allowing four hits and one earned run in 7 1/3 innings. He struck out 10 in his previous start Aug. 24 at Pittsburgh.

Nolasco made his best start of the season Tuesday against Washington, pitching a five-hit, complete-game shutout against the NL East leaders. Nolasco didn’t walk a hitter in that performance, and has just four walks with 16 strikeouts in his past 27 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Miami OF Giancarlo Stanton hit cleanup Sunday for the first time since coming off the disabled list Aug. 7.

2. Milwaukee RHP John Axford has struggled as the Brewers’ closer this season, blowing eight saves in 31 opportunities. He has converted five of his past seven save opportunities.

3. Miami 2B Donovan Solano has at least one base hit in 14 of his past 15 games. He is hitting .375 during the span.