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Marlins continue push NL East push vs. Mets

Aug 8, 2008 - 10:06 AM Florida (61-54) at NY Mets (60-54) 7:10 pm EDT

FLUSHING, New York (Ticker) -- The Florida Marlins took care of business this week, posting a series win again the Philadelphia Phillies to remain close in the National League East. A similar result this weekend against the New York Mets could draw them even closer.

Florida took two of three games from Philadelphia (62-52), capped off by Thursday's 3-0 win, to move to within 1 1/2 games of the Phillies.

Starting on Friday, the Marlins have an opportunity to close on the NL East leaders as well as increase the half-game advantage they hold over the Mets for second place.

Florida will turn to Ricky Nolasco (11-6, 3.91 ERA), who leads the team in wins. The righthander was stellar in his last outing, striking out a career-high 13 while allowing three runs and four hits in Saturday's 5-3 victory over Colorado.

Nolasco is 2-0 with a 2.43 ERA with 28 strikeouts innings over his last four road starts.

His opponent will be Oliver Perez (7-7, 4.12) , who is seeking his second win since the end of June. The lefthander surrendered four runs and eight hits over six innings in Sunday's 4-0 loss at Houston.