San Diego @ Florida preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 19, 2011 ) San Diego 4, Florida 0

THE STORY: The San Diego Padres haven't won a series this month. They can change that when they continue their three-game series against the Florida Marlins on Wednesday. San Diego's last series win was a three-game sweep of the Royals from June 27-29 at Kansas City. The Padres won the series opener 4-0 Tuesday behind a six-hitter from Tim Stauffer and four relievers.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, Channel 4 (San Diego), FS Florida

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Aaron Harang (7-2, 3.19 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Ricky Nolasco (6-6, 3.51).

Harang has enjoyed a revival in his first season with the Padres, posting quality starts in 12 of his 15 outings. He has won his last three decisions dating back to May 2 and hasn't allowed a run over 13 innings in his past two starts, He took no-decisions, though, because of poor run support. Harang has had mixed results in 10 starts against Florida, going 3-3 with a 6.99 ERA. He was rocked for eight runs in four innings in his only start against the Marlins last season. Nolasco hasn't allowed more than one earned run in any of his last four starts - two of which were complete games - but he is only 2-2 during that stretch. He allowed only two unearned runs Friday against the Cubs, but wound up on the wrong end of a 2-1 score. In seven games (six starts) against the Padres, Nolasco is 3-2 with a 3.79 ERA. He won his only start against them last year when he allowed three runs over 8 1/3 innings.

ABOUT THE PADRES (42-55): San Diego had lost eight of nine before Tuesday's victory, which was its eight in its past 10 games in Miami. The Padres' woeful offense managed 11 hits Tuesday, and help is on the way. Shortstop Jason Bartlett is expected to rejoin the Padres from the paternity leave list on Wednesday, and they also could get third baseman Chase Headley back soon after missing the past three games with a strained right calf.

ABOUT THE MARLINS (47-50): Florida has played its past three games in three different cities, ending with Tuesday's loss in the series opener, their second loss in 11 games. Among Florida's six hits Tuesday, leadoff man Emilio Bonifacio extended his career-long hitting streak to 18 games with a bunt single. The streak is the longest by a Florida hitter since Kevin Millar hit in 18 straight in 2002. Shortstop Hanley Ramirez went 0-for-4 Tuesday, marking only the fifth time in his past 24 games he has gone without a hit. Ramirez is 9-for-23 (.391) with four home runs against Harang.

FINAL PITCH: Although the Padres rank fifth in the majors in team ERA, the shutout Tuesday was only their fifth of the season, which is the eighth-fewest in the majors.