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VandenHurk, Marlins host Rockies

Aug 2, 2007 - 2:27 PM Colorado (54-52) at Florida (50-58) 7:05 pm EDT

MIAMI (Ticker) -- Rick VandenHurk became a mark on Barry Bonds' march to history in his last start. He will try to keep the ball in the park when the Florida Marlins host the Colorado Rockies in the finale of a three-game series on Thursday.

VandenHurk (3-2, 7.00 ERA) allowed three home runs last Friday at San Francisco, including Bonds' 754th career blast. The righthander has surrendered nine blasts in 45 career innings over 10 starts.

The 22-year-old VandenHurk has made three starts since being recalled from the minors on July 17, earning one win and a pair of no-decisions. He has yielded eight runs and 20 hits in 16 total innings since his recall.

The rookie righthander will have his work cut out for him when he faces reigning National League Player of the Week Matt Holliday and the Rockies. After dropping Wednesday's game, 4-3, Colorado now sits 4 1/2 games behind the Arizona Diamondbacks (60-49) in the NL West.

Starting for the Rockies will be rookie Jason Hirsh (4-7, 4.90). The 25-year-old righthander will be making his return after spending the past month on the disabled list with a sprained right ankle.

Hirsh will have to find a way to stop Florida All-Star Miguel Cabrera, who is batting .417 with eight homers in 19 games since the All-Star break.