Philadelphia @ Miami preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 28, 2012 ) Philadelphia 1, Miami 2

Speculation abounds about the future of several Marlins, starting with manager Ozzie Guillen. But right fielder Giancarlo Stanton showed in his return to the lineup Friday he can be the franchise’s cornerstone. Playing for the first time since Sept. 16, Stanton doubled and belted his career-high 35th homer in Miami’s 2-1 victory in the series opener. The win snapped the Marlins’ seven-game losing streak. The Phillies have lost five of their past six games.

Philadelphia starter Roy Halladay looks to rebound after retiring just five hitters in a loss to Atlanta in his last start. The Phillies need to win four of their final five games to finish above .500. The Marlins send Ricky Nolasco to the mound, the right-hander looking to stay perfect against the Phillies this season. Miami sits in last place in the NL East.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Roy Halladay (10-8, 4.40 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Ricky Nolasco (12-12, 4.35).

Halladay had won six of his previous seven decisions before a disastrous outing against the Braves last Saturday. He lasted just 1 2/3 innings, allowing seven runs on five hits with three walks. Halladay is 2-1 with a 3.98 ERA in three starts against Miami.

Nolasco has not lost since mid-August, going 3-0 with a 2.36 ERA in six starts. The right-hander has displayed pinpoint control during that stretch, walking just five while striking out 27. Nolasco is 2-0 against the Phillies this season, striking out 11 with just two walks in 14 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Nolasco finished with a no-decision in his last start Sunday, despite allowing just two runs on five hits in seven innings at New York.

2. Miami is 25-42 against the NL East this season.

3. The Phillies considered trying 2B Chase Utley at third base before the end of the season, but announced Friday they will leave Utley at second.