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Diamondbacks-Marlins Preview

May 21, 2009 - 1:28 AM By MATT BECKER STATS Senior Writer

Arizona (15-23) at Florida (18-21), 8:40 p.m. EDT

It took a few extra days, but the Arizona Diamondbacks have managed to string together back-to-back victories.

They can double their longest winning streak this season by sweeping Wednesday's doubleheader from the Florida Marlins - if weather permits.

Following back-to-back rainouts, Arizona (15-23) won 5-3 on Tuesday in the Diamondbacks' first game since routing Atlanta 12-0 on Saturday.

After Sunday's game against the Braves was washed out, Monday's scheduled series opener with Florida was called after a 96-minute delay. Tuesday's game started 20 minutes late as thunderstorms remained in the area, and more rain is forecast for Wednesday.

The Diamondbacks have consecutive wins for just the third time this season and first under new manager A.J. Hinch, who replaced the fired Bob Melvin on May 7.

"We're just coming around," second baseman Felipe Lopez told the Diamondbacks' official Web site. "Guys are starting to hit the ball, working hard in the cage, and it's paying off. It's just a matter of time. There's too much talent in here for it to go to waste."

Florida (18-21), meanwhile, lost for the seventh time in eight games and is a major league-worst 4-13 in May.

"We're going through a real tough spell right now," third baseman Wes Helms told the Marlins' official Web site.

In the opener, Florida's Chris Volstad (2-3, 3.35 ERA) looks to break out of his skid and earn his first victory in a month.

Volstad hasn't been pitching poorly lately, but hasn't been getting much help from his lineup. The right-hander has been backed by 12 total runs in his last six starts after receiving 10 in winning his first two games.

Volstad, who hasn't won since April 14, has recorded a 4.50 ERA while losing his last three starts. On Friday, he allowed four runs and seven hits in six innings of a 6-4 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

In his only career start against the Diamondbacks on Aug. 23, Volstad yielded four runs and seven hits in 5 1-3 innings of a 7-1 defeat.

Doug Davis (2-5, 3.22) is set to oppose Volstad.

Davis gave up three runs and four hits in six innings of a 4-3 loss to Atlanta on Friday, but didn't get a decision. The left-hander was upset about being removed for a pinch hitter after throwing only 80 pitches and argued with Hinch in the dugout.

"I don't fault him for wanting to stay in the game, I don't fault him for being frustrated and continuing to want to be there, but once the decision is made, it's over," said Hinch, the majors' youngest manager at 35.

The Diamondbacks have lost Davis' last three starts, dropping to 2-6 in his outings. In his only appearance against the Marlins last year, Davis permitted three runs and seven hits in seven innings of a 5-2 loss on Aug. 28.

Rookie Bryan Augenstein (0-1, 7.11) is slated to take the mound for Arizona in the nightcap, while Hayden Penn (1-0, 5.71) is the likely starter for Florida.

Augenstein made his major league debut last Wednesday against Cincinnati. The right-hander gave up five runs and eight hits in 6 1-3 innings of a 10-3 loss after going 5-0 with a 0.78 ERA in six starts for Double-A Mobile.

Penn, who has made 12 relief appearances this season, hasn't started since Oct. 1, 2006 for Baltimore.

"If everything goes well, today and tomorrow, maybe 60/40 Hayden Penn," Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez said before Tuesday's game. "We may end up using the whole (bullpen), but we might give Hayden the opportunity."

The right-hander is 3-6 with a 9.31 ERA in 14 career starts.