• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Marlins open road trip vs. Rockies

Jul 3, 2008 - 1:41 PM Florida (44-40) at Colorado (34-51), 8:05 p.m. EDT

DENVER (Ticker) -- The Florida Marlins need to learn how to win on the road if they plan on staying in contention in the National League East Division.

The Marlins begin a grueling 11-game road trip Thursday when they visit the Colorado Rockies in the opener of a four-game series.

Florida (44-40) is just 1 1/2 games behind the Philadelphia Phillies (46-39) for first place in the NL East after earning four wins during its recent six-game homestand.

However, the Marlins have lost 15 of their last 22 road games and haven't won a series away from home since logging two wins in a three-game series against the lowly Seattle Mariners from June 16-18.

Andrew Miller (5-7, 5.05 ERA) looks to get Florida off to a strong start on the road when he takes the mound Thursday.

Miller, who is just 3-3 with a 5.05 ERA in eight starts away from home, suffered his second loss in as many outings Saturday, allowing six runs - three earned - and five hits in 5 2/3 innings en route to a 6-2 setback against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Mark Redman (2-3, 7.84) toes the rubber for the Rockies in place of injured lefthander Jeff Francis, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday with inflammation in his throwing shoulder.

Colorado has won two straight contests, including Wedneday's 8-1 victory over San Diego, following an eight-game losing streak.