---at---

Josh Johnson--------Doug Waechter

3-2, 2.93 ERA--------0-2, 7.04 ERA

 

A year ago, the Marlins won all six Interleague meetings against the Rays.

 

Tampa Bay got a measure of revenge on Friday night, pulling out a 5-4 victory in the 10th inning.

 

Now riding a five-game losing streak, the Marlins are hoping to get back on track Saturday night and even the score.

 

Despite being 2-6 on the road trip, the Marlins have led every game. They've just not figured out how to close teams out.

 

In the second game of the series, rookie Josh Johnson takes the mound seeking to improve on his team-high victory total.

 

Johnson will make his fourth start, and 11th appearance of the season. Added to the rotation on May 4, Johnson is 3-2 with a 2.93 ERA. In his three May starts, he is 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA.

 

Building up his pitch count remains a process. Johnson threw a season-high 101 pitches in five innings of a no-decision at Atlanta. This will be Johnson's first Interleague game.

 

The Rays are starting Doug Waechter, who is 0-2 with a 7.04 ERA. The right-hander lost his lone start to the Marlins, giving up five runs in 7 2/3 innings a year ago.

 

Reggie Abercrombie carries an 11-game hitting streak into the game. That matches Hanley Ramirez for the longest streak by a Marlin this season. Ramirez, meanwhile, hasn't started since Tuesday because of a strained shoulder. While he could play Saturday, a Sunday return is more likely.

 

Pitching matchup

FLA: RHP Josh Johnson (3-2, 2.93 ERA)

Johnson has been effective since moving into the rotation. However, in his last start, a no-decision at Atlanta, the rookie ran up a high pitch count. He threw 101 pitches and was replaced after five innings. Even though he exited with a 5-2 lead, the Braves rallied to victory. This will be Johnson's fourth start after he opened the year in the bullpen. He has struck out 16 in 17 1/3 innings.

 

TB: RHP Doug Waechter (0-2, 7.04 ERA)

Waechter missed a turn due to the off-day Monday when the Rays opted to plug in staff ace Scott Kazmir on Tuesday, so he would not wait six days to pitch. In his last start, Waechter allowed seven runs on 11 hits against the Mariners on May 9. Waechter is 0-1 with a 5.87 ERA in one career appearance against the Marlins.

 

Player to watch

Tampa Bay's Aubrey Huff, a former University of Miami star, was the hero Friday night, belting the game-winning home run in the 10th inning. Huff went 2-for-4 with two RBIs.

 

On the Internet

• MLB.TV

• Gameday Audio

• Gameday

• Official game notes

 

On television

• FSN

 

On radio

• 560 WQAM, 1140 WQBA (Espa?ol)

 

Up next

• Sunday: Marlins (LHP Dontrelle Willis, 1-4, 5.53 ERA) at Devil Rays (LHP Scott Kazmir, 6-2, 2.73 ERA), 1:15 p.m. ET

• Monday: Cubs (LHP Sean Marshall, 3-1, 4.26 ERA) at Marlins (RHP Ricky Nolasco, 2-1, 3.43 ERA), 7:05 p.m. ET

• Tuesday: Cubs (RHP Kerry Wood, 0-1, 7.20 ERA) at Marlins (LHP Scott Olsen, 2-3, 6.55 ERA), 7:05 p.m. ET

 

 

Miami is the king of this state.

GO FISH.

I am guaranting victory tonight for the Fish!

 

Johnson goes 7 strong.

I am guaranting victory tonight for the Fish!

 

Johnson goes 7 strong.

 

 

 

If Hanley and Hermida were back in the line up I would go as far as to say we will win this series.

 

I hope we mop the floor with Kazmir tommorow.

 

Tonight is a formality. Marlins win 6-4

GO FISH!!!!

Please win.

 

Does anyone know if Rich and Tommy will be doing the broadcast?

Is Hermida back tonight or Monday?

lineup:

2b amezaga

dh uggla

3b cabrera

lf willingham

rf borchard

1b jacobs

cf abercrombie

c olivo

ss andino

 

yes rich and tommy will be doing the broadcast

I'd flop Borchard and Reggie

Maybe Sunday for Hermida & Hanley...

Make us happy at the end of the game . Thanks.

jacobs is afraid of ghosts

jacobs is afraid of ghosts

 

 

Did he say he had a room mate for this series? I remember him saying something about the mirror and mentioning a players name.

i wasnt really listening i just heard him say he was afraid of them

Joe G. says Johnson can go up to 115 pitches tonight.

Is the D-Rays pitcher good?

Make us happy at the end of the game . Thanks.

 

 

:thumbup

Okay friends, fans, every Marlin fan. Here we go.

 

UGGLA!! I love you! :kiss

Double by Daniel

Unreal the production we are getting out of Uggla.... Why cant we get that from everyone....including the RP

 

Cabby is a COW!

Argh almost an RBI single.

That was smoked by the Hammer.

JOE :o DAMN! FOUL! :thumbdown

HAMMER!

 

BOOO!! Borch. Pop Up.

1-0 fish.

middle of the 1st.

Does someone want to read 300 pages in my speech text for me? Please