Chicago @ Miami preview

Chi. Cubs at Miami

Last Meeting ( Apr 27, 2013 ) Chi. Cubs 3, Miami 2

A trip to Miami to face the Marlins has provided the remedy for the Chicago Cubs' early-season struggles. The Cubs went into the weekend having failed to win consecutive games all season but will try Sunday to complete their first four-game sweep since Aug. 1-4, 2011 at Pittsburgh. Chicago has used outstanding pitching to claim the first three games, including a 3-2 win Saturday.

The offensive woes continue for the Marlins, who have scored a total of seven runs in the series and have scored three or fewer runs in 20 of their first 24 games. They did have their first multi-homer game of the season Saturday as Giancarlo Stanton and Miguel Olivo both went deep, but both were solo shots and the offense didn't produce anything else. The Cubs have won four of five, while the Marlins have lost six of seven.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, Comcast SportsNet Chicago, Fox Sports Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Carlos Villanueva (1-0, 1.53 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Ricky Nolasco (1-2, 3.81)

Villanueva has been the most consistent starter on a surprisingly strong staff, posting quality starts in each of his four outings. He flirted with a complete game last time out, going 8 1/3 innings against the Reds and being charged with two runs on three hits, but he didn't get a decision because the bullpen allowed the game to go to extra innings. In 10 games (two starts) against the Marlins, Villanueva is 1-1 with a 5.79 ERA.

Nolasco lasted only five innings in his last outing but still managed to earn his first win, holding Minnesota to three runs (two earned) on six hits. The biggest difference from his earlier outings was the Marlins finally gave him some support, scoring eight runs behind him after totaling five runs in his first four starts. Nolasco, who was drafted by the Cubs in 2001, is 4-2 with a 2.85 ERA in eight games (seven starts) against his former organization.

WALK-OFFS

1. Stanton hit his first home run of the season Saturday in his 18th game. He didn't hit his first homer until his 20th game last season and finished with 37, second-most in the National League.

2. Look for Cubs backup C Dioner Navarro to get the start as he is 7-for-10 with a home run against Nolasco.

3. Chicago starters have recorded quality starts in six consecutive games.

PREDICTION: Cubs 5, Marlins 3