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Marlins look for another strong pitching outing against Giants

Aug 20, 2008 - 10:07 AM Florida (65-61) at San Francisco (53-72) 10:15 p.m. EDT

SAN FRANCISCO (Ticker) -- When trying to figure out the Florida Marlins' surprising place in the National League playoff hunt, look no further than their blossoming pitching staff.

A night after Ricky Nolasco tossed the Marlins' first complete game in 302 contests, Scott Olsen takes the mound against the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old Nolasco fired a two-hit shutout in the 6-0 victory and was brilliant, striking out 11. Such is an example of the potential Florida's young rotation possesses.

Olsen (6-8, 4.03 ERA), who is one of four Marlins starting pitchers age 24 or younger, has held opponents to three runs or less in seven of his last 10 starts. However, the 24-year-old hasn't won since July 19.

The righthander is 0-4 with a 4.85 ERA in his past five outings, but has been a victim of poor run support - receiving three or less runs in four gamea in that span.

Still, the Marlins (65-61) remain within four games of the NL East-leading New York Mets (69-57).

Matt Cain (8-9, 3.57) counters for San Francisco, which has dropped six of its last nine. Cain has been one of the lone bright spots, sporting a 2.69 ERA in his last 12 starts. However, he has five wins to show for his brilliance due to being the victim of poor run support.

The Giants have scored five runs in his last four losing decisions during a 10-game stretch. The 23-year-old righthander has held opponents to three runs or less in seven games over that span.