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Marlins open road trip in Colorado

Aug 15, 2011 - 3:08 PM (Sports Network) - After enduring a rough homestand that produced just one victory, the Florida Marlins will try to reverse their fortunes on the road this evening when they begin a three-game series with the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.

The Marlins lost the first seven games of their residency, getting swept by the Cardinals and Braves before winning their series opener with the Giants on Friday. Florida proceeded to lose its next two game, including Sunday's 5-2 decision in which San Francisco teed off for four homers.

Chris Volstad gave up three of the long balls in taking the loss, getting charged with four runs over six innings. Mike Stanton hit a home run and Emilio Bonifacio had a RBI double for the Marlins, who will play their next seven on the road out west including a four-game set at San Diego.

"Once we do get guys in scoring position we're just not getting the job done," said Marlins first baseman Gaby Sanchez.

Clay Hensley looks to snap a four-start winless drought as he takes the hill for the Marlins.

Hensley is 0-2 with a 6.30 earned run average during his skid and the Marlins lost their third straight game with the right-hander on the hill Tuesday against the Braves. Hensley got a no-decision in that 4-3 decision, getting charged with three runs on eight hits and four walks over 5 2/3 innings.

The 31-year-old has a 1-2 mark in five starts since joining the rotation on July 18 and a season ERA of 4.50 in 25 games. He is 4-2 lifetime when facing the Rockies, posting a 4.53 ERA in 19 contests (seven starts).

Kevin Millwood makes his second start in a Rockies uniform this evening after making his debut on Wednesday. The right-hander lasted seven innings and struck out six, but also gave up three solo homers in a 3-2 defeat.

"He did nothing but pound the strike zone and pitch ahead," Rockies manager Jim Tracy said of his starter's effort. "It was as professional an effort as can ask a guy to give, something he's done his whole career."

The 36-year-old righty was pitching for the first time in the majors since going 4-16 with a 5.10 ERA in 31 games with the Orioles in 2010. He pitched in the minors this season with both the Red Sox and Yankees before joining the Rockies.

Millwood has plenty of career experience against the Marlins, going 7-9 with a 5.36 ERA in 27 games, all but three of those starts.

While Monday's are dreaded by most of the working class, it is Sunday that has given the Rockies fits this season. Colorado has lost 17 straight games on that day, including yesterday's 6-2 defeat to the Cardinals.

Mark Ellis homered and Troy Tulowitzki hit an RBI single in the first inning, but the Rockies didn't score again and lost for the fourth time in five games.

"It's kind of how it's been," Tulowitzki said. "We haven't gotten the big hit when we need it. But I'd love to be up in that big situation. Sometimes you come through, sometimes you don't."

Colorado begins a nine-game homestand tonight looking to avoid a sixth loss in eight games to Florida.