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Lohse, Cardinals continue series with Marlins

Aug 12, 2008 - 2:04 PM St. Louis (66-55) at Florida (62-57), 7:10 pm EDT

MIAMI (Ticker) -- Kyle Lohse has hit a bit of a detour in his surprisingly brilliant season the mound, but the St. Louis Cardinals' quest to stay on track hasn't hit a ditch during their crucial 10-game road trip.

The Cardinals and Lohse continue a four-game series with the Florida Marlins on Tuesday at Dolphin Stadium.

St. Louis, which is 2-2 thus far in the stretch, remains three games behind the Milwaukee Brewers (68-51) in the National League wild-card chase and turns to Lohse (13-4, 3.80 ERA) against a potent team also in the playoff picture.

The 29-year-old, who is looking to tie his career high in wins, is 1-2 with a 6.04 ERA over his last four starts, but his efforts in the first half are a major reason why Tony La Russa's club is still treading in the rough waters of the NL.

Lohse was 11-2 with a 3.39 ERA in 20 starts prior to the All-Star break and is facing Florida for the first time this season.

Chris Volstad (3-2, 2.67) will counter for the Marlins for his sixth career start. The 21-year-old righthander has been extremely impressive, giving up three runs or less in four of his five outings. However, he has gotten just 11 runs of support in those starts.

In the series opener, Yadier Molina belted a go-ahead, two-run homer and the Cardinals rolled to a 4-2 triumph.

Florida starter Anibal Sanchez threw seven solid innings, but was out-dueled by Joel Pineiro, who notched the victory by tossing seven frames, allowing two runs - one earned - and seven hits while striking out four in winning his second straight decision.