Florida @ Texas preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 2, 2011 ) Florida 9, Texas 5

THE STORY: The Florida Marlins have as many wins in 11 games under Jack McKeon - five - as they had in their last 25 games under Edwin Rodriguez. Now they'll try to win their second consecutive series - something Rodriguez was unable to do during his last three weeks at the helm - when they wrap up a three-game road series against the Texas Rangers on Sunday.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FS Florida, FS Southwest

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Javier Vazquez (4-8, 5.83 ERA) vs. Rangers LH C.J. Wilson (8-3, 3.14). Vazquez has shown signs of rebounding from his poor start to the season. He hasn't allowed an earned run in 12 1/3 innings over his past two starts. He still took the loss Tuesday at Oakland as the Athletics scored an unearned run against him for the only run of the game. Vazquez is 2-2 with a 6.64 ERA in seven starts against the Rangers. He hasn't beaten Texas since 2006. Wilson hasn't lost since May 20 at Philadelphia, going 4-0 with a 2.74 ERA in seven starts since. He beat the Astros on Tuesday, allowing two runs over seven innings in a 7-3 win. Wilson has faced the Marlins three times (one start) and is 0-0 with a 2.70 ERA.

ABOUT THE MARLINS (37-46): The Marlins improved to 5-6 since Jack McKeon took over as interim manager June 20. They have reason to hope for a continued turnaround after star shortstop Hanley Ramirez's big game Saturday. Ramirez hit a grand slam and a solo home run to tie a career-high with five RBIs. He also added a single for his second three-hit game of the season to raise his average to .230, his highest mark since April 20.

ABOUT THE RANGERS (44-40): The Rangers' offense broke out for 15 runs in the series opener, but Josh Hamilton was about the only one producing in Saturday's 9-5 loss. Hamilton went 3-for-5 with two home runs and continues to excel against the Marlins - he is 15-for-29 (.517) with three home runs and seven RBIs against them. The Rangers could use a deep start from Wilson after taxing their bullpen Saturday when starter Derek Holland didn't make it out of the first inning.

FINAL PITCH: Wilson has allowed only eight home runs in 117 2/3 innings. He didn't give up any homers in 36 1/3 innings in June.