Chicago @ Miami preview

Chi. Cubs at Miami

Last Meeting ( Apr 25, 2013 ) Chi. Cubs 4, Miami 3

Close games have been the norm for the Chicago Cubs, and after finally winning one to open their four-game road series with the Miami Marlins, they will try to build some momentum when the series continues Friday. Luis Valbuena's ninth-inning home run lifted the Cubs on Thursday, and their maligned bullpen turned in three scoreless innings as Chicago improved to 3-6 in one-run games.

The Marlins have lost four of five and still haven't won back-to-back games. They are 2-8 at home and 2-6 in one-run games.The Cubs haven't won consecutive games either, but they'll have a chance to remedy that Friday. Chicago is 2-5 on its road trip and 4-9 away from home.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), Fox Sports Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Scott Feldman (0-3, 4.50 ERA) vs. Marlins LH Wade LeBlanc (0-3, 6.27)

Feldman's tenure with the Cubs is off to a rocky beginning as he has not posted a quality start in any of his first three outings. His last start at Milwaukee was his best of the season, but his fielding error contributed to a Cubs loss as he allowed four runs (one earned) over five innings. Feldman has never faced the Marlins.

LeBlanc was a tough-luck loser in his first two starts of the season, but he has been knocked around for nine runs in only 7 2/3 innings over his last two outings. He hasn't gotten much help from the offense as the Marlins have scored a total of eight runs in the four games he has started. LeBlanc is 1-0 with a 2.08 ERA in one start and one relief appearance against the Cubs.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs starters have a collective 3.04 ERA - second-best in the National League - and have recorded quality starts in 13 of 21 games, but have only three wins.

2. Marlins RF Giancarlo Stanton is batting .200 with 22 strikeouts in 60 at-bats and is still looking for his first home run after hitting 37 a year ago.

3. The Marlins' active roster is a combined 6-for-32 against Feldman and no active player is hitting better than .300 against him.

PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Marlins 4