• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers
• Game Tracker

Big Z tries to pitch Marlins past Rockies

May 23, 2012 - 3:05 PM (Sports Network) - Carlos Zambrano hopes to continue his resurgence tonight when the Miami Marlins attempt to complete a three-game sweep of the Colorado Rockies at Marlins Ballpark.

After being suspended by the Chicago Cubs last season, Zambrano was dealt this past offseason to Miami and has seemingly regained the form that made him a three-time All-Star, as he has pitched to a 1.96 earned run average and has surrendered only three earned runs over his last four starts, two of which came in a win over Cleveland on Friday.

"Everything was working," said Zambrano, who improved to 2-2. "The sinker was running good. I gave up two runs, but that doesn't stop me to battle and throw seven strong innings."

Zambrano is only 2-4 in 11 games (eight starts) against the Rockies, but has pitched to a 3.24 ERA.

Miami continued to roll on Tuesday, as Ricky Nolasco smacked a two-run double and finally secured sole possession of the Marlins' all-time record for wins in a 7-6 triumph.

Nolasco (5-2), who moved past Dontrelle Willis with his 69th career win, surrendered three first-inning runs on four hits, but settled down and allowed just one more run on four hits over the next five frames. He fanned six and walked one for Miami, which won its fourth straight game and tied the club record with its 16th win in May.

"I think Nolasco was a little bit unlucky today," said Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen. "They put the ball in play and didn't hit it that hard but it still counts as a hit."

The 19 wins the Marlins collected in August 1997 is the club record for wins in any month. Entering this month, the Marlins were in last place in the National League East at 8-14 and six games out of first place. They are now just two back of the Washington Nationals for the top spot.

"Everyone was panicking. Everyone, besides the guys in the clubhouse," said Guillen. "I think we're going to be a good ballclub. We're not going to lose 150 games. The talent is starting to show right now. And we can be better than this."

Juan Nicasio (2-2) struck out six and was charged with six runs -- five earned -- on nine hits and three walks in five innings for the Rockies, who have dropped six straight and 10-of-12.

"We had chances," Rockies manager Jim Tracy said. "They're playing hard, but it gets a little demoralizing."

Hoping to get them untracked tonight, the Rockies will turn to righty Alex White, who has lost all three of his starts this season and has pitched to a 5.09 ERA. He pitched well against Seattle on Friday, though, allowing two earned runs in seven innings, while striking out seven without walking a batter.

He has never faced the Marlins.

Colorado and Miami split six meetings a season ago.