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Marlins hope for better pitching at Padres

Jul 7, 2008 - 1:18 PM Florida (45-43) at San Diego (35-54) 10:05 p.m. EDT

SAN DIEGO (Ticker) -- The Florida Marlins pitching staff had a tough time with the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. A trip to Petco Park may be what they need to get back on track.

The Marlins continue their 11-game road trip when they open a three-game series at the San Diego Padres on Monday.

Florida pitching allowed 41 runs in its four-game series with Colorado, losing the first three games before salvaging the final contest, 10-5, on Sunday. The series included an 18-17 loss on Friday.

But San Diego's offense ranks second-to-last in runs scored in the majors and average just 3.7 per game. The Padres have scored 3.6 runs per contest at home.

Ricky Nolasco (9-4, 3.94 ERA) hopes to take advantage of the Padres' offensive woes when he takes the hill for the Marlins.

The righthander has won two straight starts - and four straight decisions - including Wednesday's 4-2 victory over the Washington Nationals. Nolasco allowed two runs and just three hits with eight strikeouts over seven innings.

The Padres will counter with Greg Maddux (3-6, 4.04), who is still searching for his first win since May 10 - a span of 10 starts. The veteran righthander gave up eight runs and eight hits in 4 2/3 innings at Colorado on June 30.