Marlins Vs. Cardinals: Miami Can Get Back To Even

Following back to back wins over the Brewers, the Marlins have an opportunity to get over the .500 mark for the first time since a terrible June dropped them to last place in the NL East standings. In the final series before the All-Star break, the Marlins will face the Cardinals who earned a pair of back to back wins of their own in their last two games.

Taking the mound in game one of the series for the Marlins will be Ricky Nolasco, who earned his seventh victory of the season on Sunday. In the start prior to that he held the Cardinals scoreless through just under seven innings, but didn't earn a decision as the Cardinals won 8-7.

Hopeful for a similar result will be Jake Westbrook who is pitching for the Cardinals. In Westbrook's last start on Sunday, he earned a win with a six inning performance against the Pirates in which he allowed four earned runs, but received five runs of support from the St. Louis offense.

The first pitch on Friday will be thrown at 8:15 p.m. at Busch Stadium and be televised on Fox Sports Florida.

For more news, analysis, and discussion on the Marlins, visit Fish Stripes. For more on the Cardinals check out Viva El Birdos. Head over to Baseball Nation for more news and notes from around the Major Leagues.