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Reds look to avoid playoff elimination vs. Marlins

Sep 28, 2006 - 12:58 PM Cincinnati (78-80) at Florida (77-81) 7:05 pm EDT

MIAMI (Ticker) - Even with an undefeated finish to the regular season, the Cincinnati Reds still could miss the postseason.

Kyle Lohse gets the call Thursday as the Reds try to avoid elimination from the playoff chase in the finale of a three-game series against the Florida Marlins.

Despite being two games below .500, Cincinnati is 3 1/2 games behind the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Central Division with four to play. However, the Reds' postseason hopes can end with a loss.

Lohse (2-5, 4.89 ERA) has lost his last three decisions and is 4-10 overall this season. He was tagged for six runs and seven hits in just three innings of Sunday's loss to the Chicago Cubs.

The Marlins counter with rookie Ricky Nolasco (11-10, 4.70), who is winless in seven starts with a 7.30 ERA since August 13. He allowed four runs and seven hits in 3 2/3 frames of Saturday's defeat against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Wes Helms collected four hits and Hanley Ramirez homered twice as Florida snapped a four-game losing streak with Wednesday's 7-2 victory over Cincinnati.