Marlins Vs. Cardinals Preview: Miami Looks For First Winning Streak Since Early June

The Miami Marlins have not won back to back games since June 2 and 3. During that time, their record has fallen to 34-38 and they have dropped to eight games behind the NL East-leading Washington Nationals, and only one game ahead of the last place Philadelphia Phillies.

On Monday, they welcome the team that helped christen Marlins Park in the St. Louis Cardinals. The Marlins avoided a sweep by defeating the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday, 9-0. Prior to the game, Marlins third basemen Hanley Ramiriez called a players-only meeting Saturday night. Ramirez followed that with a two-run triple in the seventh inning.

The Marlins will send pitcher Ricky Nolasco (6-6, 5.16 ERA) to the mound on Monday. Nolasco is coming off his worst start of the season, going only three and-a-third innings, allowing nine runs on nine hits against the Boston Red Sox on June 20.

The Cardinals will counter with Jake Westbrook (6-6, 3,84 ERA) on Monday. Westbrook is coming of his best game of the season, a complete game where he allowed one unearned run against the Detriot Tigers on June 20.

The game is scheduled for a 7:10 first pitch. The game will be televised on Fox Sports Florida with radio coverage on WAXY 790 AM and WAQI 710 AM.