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Marlins look to rebound vs. Pirates

Apr 21, 2009 - 6:58 PM lins look to rebound vs. Pirates* PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Pittsburgh didn't seem like the most likely place for the red-hot Florida Marlins to finally stumble, but the way the Pirates are pitching, it suddenly seems difficult for any opponent to score runs at PNC Park. One night after the Pirates snapped the Marlins' seven-game winning streak, the league's top team will try to avoid its first back-to-back defeats of the season as the clubs continue their three-game set Tuesday night. Florida entered the season with a young roster and the smallest payroll in the majors, but that didn't stop the team from winning 11 of its first 12 games by a combined tally of 77-45. Monday's game looked a little different, as the Marlins (11-2) managed just two singles against Pittsburgh's Ross Ohlendorf and two relievers, while Nate McLouth homered and drove in four runs for the Pirates in an 8-0 win. It was the third time in the last four games and fourth time in seven home games that the Pirates (7-6) have blanked their opponent. Pittsburgh's surprising staff now boasts an NL-best 3.08 ERA. "We talked in spring training about the expectations, the accountability that was put on the starters to be productive and give us innings," Pirates manager John Russell said. "We didn't do that last year and we suffered. There's urgency there that we've got to be better starting pitchers." Last year, the Pirates ranked 28th in the majors and last in the NL with a 5.08 team ERA, and they weren't much better in 2007. That year, they finished 26th (4.93). But after Paul Maholm and Ian Snell turned in spotless efforts over the weekend against Atlanta, Ohlendorf struck out five with just one walk against Florida. "As a staff, I think we get along really well and push each other, and it does seem to be breeding confidence and competition between us to see who can pitch the best," Ohlendorf said. "I know we're all really happy with how we've done so far and we feel we'll be able to build on it." Jeff Karstens (0-0, 6.75 ERA) will try to follow suit for the Pirates. The right-hander came over with Ohlendorf from the New York Yankees in the Xavier Nady trade last season, and he threw 15 shutout innings in his first two starts with Pittsburgh last year. His opening to 2009 wasn't as strong, as he allowed three runs in four innings, walking five Thursday in the Pirates' 6-3 loss to Houston. Florida's Anibal Sanchez (1-0, 1.64) is off to a better start to the year after missing most of last season following shoulder surgery. Sanchez walked three and gave up eight hits Thursday against Atlanta, but allowed only two runs in a 6-2 win. "I didn't have good command, but I got good defense," Sanchez said. It will be the first time each starting pitcher in Tuesday's game has faced his opponent. Sanchez likely won't have to pitch to Pittsburgh catcher Ryan Doumit, who missed Monday's game and is scheduled to have more tests on his wrist. One of the team's biggest bats, Doumit hit .318 and had 69 RBIs last season. Rookie Jason Jaramillo replaced him Monday and went 2-for-4.