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Marlins host Braves in rubber game

Jul 23, 2008 - 10:12 AM Atlanta (47-53) at Florida (53-47) 7:10 EDT

MIAMI (Ticker) -- The Florida Marlins will be playing to create a possible three-way tie for first place in the National League East when they take on the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday.

A Marlin victory combined with a New York Mets win over the Philadelphia Phillies would create a logjam atop the division.

The Marlins and Braves each have posted 4-0 victories in this series. Jorge Campillo held the Marlins in check over seven innings Monday night. Rick VandenHurk held the Braves hitless over five innings, despite walking five, while three relievers finished off a one-hitter Tuesday for Florida.

A victory would enable the Marlins to tie the Braves in the season series at 6-6.

Ricky Nolasco (10-5, 3.78) gets the start for the Marlins, trying to regain the winning touch. The right-hander had won five straight decisions before allowing four runs in seven innings in his last start, a 4-1 loss at the hands of the Phillies.

The 25-year old will be attempting to change his early-season fortune against the Braves. In two previous starts this year, Nolasco is 0-2 against Atlanta, surrendering 13 runs on 21 hits, including seven home runs, in 10 1/3 innings.

Atlanta ace Tim Hudson (10-7, 3.31) takes the hill for the Braves, who finds themselves seven games behind Philadelphia.

The Braves, who have been mired around .500 all season, have not put together a winning streak of at least three games since they won five straight May 18-22.

Bobby Cox returns to the dugout for the Braves after serving a one-game suspension for arguing during Sunday's loss to the Nationals.