Marlins Vs. Rays Preview: Miami Hopes To Rebound Against Tampa Bay

The Miami Marlins have been in a free fall over the last week with a 1-8 homestand, which included a sweep at the hands of the Tampa Bay Rays. Friday night, the Marlins hit the road and go to Tropicana Field to try and get back on the right track against the Rays.

The Marlins have lost seven straight games to the Rays in the Citrus Series, being outscored 40-13 and batting .186 overall and a tepid .111 with runners in scoring position.

The Rays on the other hand are 2.5 games back of the New York Yankees in the AL East and are looking to cut that deficit down by the end of the weekend.

The Marlins hope that pitcher Carlos Zambrano (4-4, 3.55 ERA) can give them a quality start after being pulled in the third inning of his last start for lower back stiffness after being shelled for seven runs against the Rays on June 9. Zambrano has pitched well on the road as of late, recording a 0.88 ERA and winning three of his last four road starts.

The Rays counter with pitcher Matt Moore (3-5, 4.59 ERA), who gave up four runs over six innings in the game against Zambrano and the Marlins on June 9.

The game is scheduled for a 7:10 first pitch from Tropicana Field. Television coverage will be provided by Sunshine Sports. Radio coverage for the Marlins will be provided by WAXY 790 AM and WAQI 710 AM. Radio coverage for the Rays will be provided by WDAE 620 AM and WGES 680 AM.