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Marlins hope to end slide versus D-backs

May 20, 2015 - 1:33 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - David Phelps eyes another strong start on Wednesday when the Miami Marlins continue their four-game series with the Arizona Diamondbacks at Marlins Park.

Phelps struggled out of the bullpen to start the year, but injuries forced him into the rotation and he has thrived, going 2-0 with a 1.75 ERA in six starts. He did not get a decision in his most recent outing against Atlanta on Friday, as he held the Braves to three runs (1 earned) and struck out eight over six innings of his team's 5-3 loss.

He also had his first big-league hit in the loss.

"It would have been nice if it came in one of the games where we won, it would have been more exciting," Phelps said. "All I was thinking running down the line was, 'You just gave one up to their guy, and it scored two runs.' It's frustrating."

This will be Phelps' first-ever start against the D-backs, who will send righty Chase Anderson to the hill in search of his first win.

Anderson has pitched to a 2.81 ERA in seven starts this season, but is 0-1. He had another strong showing on Friday in Philadelphia, but did not get a decision, despite allowing just one run and three hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Anderson has faced the Marlins twice and is 1-0 against them with a 3.00 ERA.

Arizona continued to add to Miami's woes on Tuesday, as A.J. Pollock broke a tie with a pinch-hit home run in the eighth inning to propel the D-backs to a 4-2 win.

Mark Trumbo started the decisive eighth with a single off Mike Dunn (0-3). After Paul Goldschmidt struck out swinging, Pollock pinch-hit for lefty David Peralta and snuck the first pitch he saw over the wall in left field.

"I knew I hit it well," said Pollock. "I wasn't sure if it was going to hit the fence or get over, but I knew it was going to be close. Just happy it went over and I got to ease up on my run."

Daniel Hudson (1-1) struck out two in two scoreless innings of relief to earn the win, and Enrique Burgos picked up his second save in as many nights.

Tom Koehler allowed just a pair of unearned runs in 6 2/3 innings for the Marlins, who fell to 0-2 under manager Dan Jennings. Jennings, the former general manager, replaced the recently fired Mike Redmond.

"10, 12, 13 hard-hit balls," said Jennings. "It's frustrating when you don't score. Especially when Tom Koehler pitched a great game."

Giancarlo Stanton provided both Miami runs with his 12th homer of the season. The Marlins have dropped five straight games and six in a row at home.

Miami was 4-3 against the D-backs last season.