Tampa Bay @ Florida preview

Tampa Bay at Florida

Last Meeting ( Jun 13, 2010 ) Florida 6, Tampa Bay 1

Round two in the battle of Florida starts Friday when the Tampa Bay Rays visit the Florida Marlins to begin a three-game interleague set.

While the state bragging rights would be nice, both teams have bigger goals in mind and both need victories in a bad way.

Florida comes into the series having been swept by the Texas Rangers series after taking two of three in Tampa Bay. The Marlins had a 3-0 lead after three innings and still led 3-1 after four on Thursday, but were shut down by the Rangers bullpen in a 6-4 loss.

With the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets playing inspired baseball of late and the Philadelphia Phillies having won two of three from the Yankees in New York, the Marlins can't waste much more time before they start stringing together some wins if they want to think about contending in the National League East.

The sweep at the hands of the Rangers dropped Florida to 17-18 at home and 7 1/2 games behind the Braves in the division.

The Marlins turn to Nate Robertson (4-5, 4.57 ERA) to try and right the ship. Robertson might not be best suited for the job, however, as he is 0-4 in seven career games against the Rays, including six starts.

However, the left-hander pitched well in his last outing against Tampa Bay. Coming out of the bullpen in relief of starter Ricky Nolasco, Robertson allowed just one run and four hits in 5 2/3 innings last Saturday.

Robertson has struggled of late, failing to register a win since May 15.

Once one of the hottest teams in baseball, Tampa Bay has lost two straight and is 5-5 in its last 10. Tied for the American League East lead with the Yankees, the Rays also have the Boston Red Sox and even the Toronto Blue Jays breathing down their necks.

Matt Garza (7-4, 3.50) gets the start for Tampa Bay. Garza beat the Marlins on Saturday, allowing four runs and nine hits in 5 2/3 innings of a 6-5 victory.

He has won all three career starts against the Marlins, striking out 20 in 21 2/3 innings while allowing six runs and 13 hits.

Garza has won his last two decisions following three straight losses, but he hasn't done it without some help from the Rays bullpen. The right-hander has made it through the sixth inning just once in his last four starts.