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Ramirez, Marlins continue four-game set with Cards

Aug 13, 2008 - 10:06 AM St. Louis (66-56) at Florida (63-57) 7:10 pm. EDT

MIAMI (Ticker) -- Florida Marlins All-Star shortstop Hanley Ramirez tries to continue his assault on St. Louis Cardinals pitching on Wednesday.

Ramirez belted a go-ahead, three-run home run in the second inning and four relievers allowed one hit in four innings of a rain-delayed 4-3 victory on Tuesday. Ramirez's blast helped the Marlins pull within 1 1/2 games of the Philadelphia Phillies (64-55) in the National League East.

The fourth-year pro went 3-for-3 in Monday's series opener and has demolished Cardinals pitching, hitting .382 (21-for-55) with two homers, 11 RBI in 14 career games vs. St. Louis.

St. Louis, which has lost four of six, hopes Braden Looper (10-9, 4.20 ERA) can slow Ramirez and the Marlins. Looper has one win in his last four starts, despite a 2.24 ERA in that span. The righthander allowed two runs and six hits in seven innings of a 3-2, 11-inning loss to Chicago on Friday.

The Cardinals (66-56) trail Chicago (71-47) by seven games in the National League East. They will face a stern test against Ricky Nolasco (11-7, 3.92). The righthander is 1-1 with a 3.48 ERA in his last three starts.