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Marlins turn to Nolasco in finale with Diamondbacks

Jun 13, 2011 - 2:36 PM (Sports Network) - Ricky Nolasco tries to reverse the Florida Marlins' recent fortunes this evening when they wrap up a four-game set with the Arizona Diamondbacks at Sun life Stadium.

Florida lost for the 10th time in 11 chances on Sunday, as Daniel Hudson delivered a quality start and Stephen Drew provided the offense to lead Arizona to a 5-1 win.

In six-plus innings, Hudson (7-5) allowed just one run on eight hits and three walks, while striking out seven.

A two-run double highlighted a 3-for-4 day by Drew, who also scored a run. Ryan Roberts added his second homer in as many days, as the Diamondbacks won their second straight.

In just his second career start, Brad Hand (0-2) surrendered four runs -- three earned -- on five hits and five walks.

Gaby Sanchez went 2-for-3 and accounted for the lone Florida run with a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the seventh. The Marlins stranded 13 runners in the loss and dropped to .500 on the year (32-32).

Florida could get off the schneid tonight, as Nolasco is 5-1 lifetime versus the Diamondbacks with a 3.38 ERA in six starts.

Nolasco is winless in his last three overall starts, but is 4-1 on the season with a 3.86 ERA. He did not get a decision on Wednesday against Atlanta, but pitched well, surrendering just two runs in 7 1/3 innings of his team's 3-2 loss.

With four games in three days looming against the Philadelphia Phillies following this series, Marlins manager Edwin Jackson could use some length from his right-hander this evening.

"My objective every time out is to eat up innings, but obviously the importance is probably a little bit higher with a doubleheader coming up," Nolasco said of the impending set. "Not only that, but a big series with the Phillies. I just need to stay the same and keep doing whatever I'm doing."

Arizona, meanwhile, will rely on lefty Zack Duke, who unlike Nolasco has struggled mightily against his opponent tonight, going 0-5 with a 6.49 ERA in seven starts.

Duke did not get a decision against his former team, the Pittsburgh Pirates, on Wednesday, despite a terrific outing that saw him allow a run and nine hits in seven innings. He is 1-1 on the year with a 2.37 ERA.

"I felt good, and it's a very familiar place for me to pitch," Duke said afterward. "I felt very comfortable. The location was off a little bit the first couple of innings, but thankfully I was able to get through it and settle into a nice rhythm and give us a chance."

Arizona took two of three meetings with the Marlins from May 30-June 1.