vs

 

Playing it coy for most of the season, the Marlins stressed not to jump ahead of themselves until they reached .500.

Well, riding a seven-game winning streak, Florida is now just three games under the break-even point and is swiftly positioning itself to be National Leauge Wild Card contenders in the final month.

 

The Marlins pulled out a 4-3 win on Sunday, and they go for the four-game sweep of the Brewers on Monday night.

 

Along with being a strong candidate for NL Rookie of the Year, Josh Johnson, Monday's starter, finds himself in position to claim the Major League ERA crown.

 

Johnson's 2.90 ERA is the best in baseball. And the right-hander looks to keep rolling along in the ERA race on Monday when he takes the mound in the finale of the four-game set with the Brewers.

 

The Marlins have won the last three times Johnson (11-6) has taken the mound. The 6-foot-7 right-hander comes off a no-decision against Washington on Tuesday. He gave up three runs on three runs in seven inings.

 

Since joining the rotation in May, Johnson is 10-4 with a 2.80 ERA as a starter. This will be his 21st start, and 28th appearance.

 

At home, he is 5-3 with a 3.07 ERA.

 

The Brewers will counter with Ben Sheets, who is 2-3 with a 3.70 ERA in his career against the Marlins.

 

Since the All-Star break, Sheets is 3-2 with a 4.14 ERA.

 

Pitching matchup

 

 

 

FLA: RHP Josh Johnson (11-6, 2.90)

The rookie pitched well but settled for a no-decision in his last start, despite leaving the game in line for the win. Johnson has won three of his last four decisions and has gone at least seven innings eight times.he rookie settled for a no-decision, despite leaving the game in line for the win. Johnson has won three of his last four decisions and has gone at least seven innings eight times.

 

 

 

MIL: RHP Ben Sheets (4-5, 5.02)

Sheets got back to basics in his last start, scrapping the cut fastball he's been working on and throwing four-seam fastballs, his bread-and-butter curveballs and the occasional changeup. What a difference in the results. After sitting in the 88-92 mph range six days earlier, Sheets consistently hit 95-96 mph against the Rockies and limited them to one run in seven innings. Look for him to take a similar approach in Florida, where he's 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA (two earned runs in 14 innings) in two starts.

 

Player to watch

Mike Jacobs came through with a pinch-hit, walk-off double in the ninth inning on Sunday. In the first three games of the series, the first baseman has three doubles, a home run and five RBIs.

 

On the Internet

MLB.TV

Gameday Audio

? Gameday

? Official game notes

 

On television

? FSN

 

On radio

? 560 WQAM, 1140 WQBA(Espa?ol)

 

Credit:MLB.com

 

Let's keep the winning streak alive! :gofishb

Bust out the brooms again!

 

GO MARLINS!!!!

I say the Marlins just win out the remainder of the season.

 

 

It will take all the guess work out of it.

Win. Thanks .

Can anyone say 8 str8!!!???

#8

Keep it going Marlinswschamps2008.....

 

DO IT FISH!

this is crazy cool.........

How come the Brewers flag is larger then the Marlins flag?

How come the Brewers flag is larger then the Marlins flag?

 

 

Its based on payrole size

A win would be pretty nice to cap off the homestand.

 

Sheets will be a tough, tough challenge.

Get #8 with the sweep.

Wonder if the "hurricane" will effect attendence...everyone is "stuck in the gas line"...why I'm glad Im back in CT!

How come the Brewers flag is larger then the Marlins flag?

 

Becuase I like us being the underdog team.

I'm leaving right now. I'll be the moron with "The 2006 Miracle Marlins" sign.

I'm leaving right now. I'll be the moron with "The 2006 Miracle Marlins" sign.

 

:lol

How come the Brewers flag is larger then the Marlins flag?

 

Beer belly

Today's the 28th.

How come the Brewers flag is larger then the Marlins flag?

 

Beer belly

 

hah! Milwaukee: America's Drunkest City

 

Let's go JJ! You know he's good for at least 7ip tonite

Nice intro to the game for sureshot

let go marlins clap clap clap clap...make the beer makers drown in an ocean of teal

Sit down.

Let's go Marlins!!!

good start jj

2000 fans tonight?