Houston @ Florida preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 7, 2011 ) Houston 0, Florida 5

THE STORY: The Florida Marlins have played .500 ball since Jack McKeon took over as interim manager. Not exactly anything to celebrate, but certainly a step in the right direction after a dreadful month of June. The Marlins will look to continue the upward trend when they look for a second consecutive win over the Houston Astros on Friday at Sun Life Stadium. Florida won the opener of the series 5-0 on Thursday.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Houston, Fox Sports Florida

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Jordan Lyles (0-3, 4.17 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Javier Vazquez (4-8, 5.64 ERA).

Lyles is still looking for his first major league win despite four quality starts in his seven outings. He was a tough-luck loser Sunday against Boston, allowing one unearned run over five innings in a 2-1 loss. He has never faced the Marlins.

The 34-year-old Vazquez has lost four of his past five decisions, but he didn't factor in the decision in Florida's 5-4 win at Texas on Sunday. Vazquez allowed two runs over six innings in that one and has not allowed more than two runs in any of his past four starts. In 15 starts against the Astros, Vazquez is 5-5 with a 4.47 ERA.

ABOUT THE ASTROS (30-59): Houston's major league-worst record took another step in the wrong direction Thursday with the Astros' seventh loss in eight games. Rookie Brad Hand and two relievers shut out the Astros and held them to a three hits, which matched their season low. It was the fourth time Houston has been shut out this season. Hunter Pence went 0-for-3 to snap his 11-game hitting streak.

ABOUT THE MARLINS (40-48): Florida improved to 8-8 under McKeon with the win in the opener. Now they have outfielder Mike Stanton's big bat going again. After going 20 games without a home run, Stanton hit a game-ending homer against the Phillies on Wednesday and launched a two-run shot Thursday. Stanton leads the team with 18 homers, five more than Gaby Sanchez. Mike Cameron, acquired from Boston earlier this week, went 0-for-3 Thursday in his first start in center field for Florida.

FINAL PITCH: The Marlins optioned Hand back to Double-A Jacksonville after he picked up his first major league win Thursday. The 21-year-old lefthander will be able to stay on a regular pitching rotation in the minors rather than having his routine disrupted by the All-Star break.