Tampa Bay @ Miami preview

Last Meeting ( May 28, 2013 ) Miami 6, Tampa Bay 7

The Tampa Bay Rays are taking advantage of struggling teams and creeping back in the American League East race with three straight victories. The Rays look to continue their climb when they visit the Miami Marlins to start the second half of a home-and-home, four-game series on Wednesday. Tampa Bay came from four runs down to beat Miami 7-6 on Tuesday, moving to within four games of first place in the AL East. The Rays have produced 25 runs and 35 hits the last three contests.

The Marlins have dropped 11 of the last 12 against Tampa Bay, losing the last two despite scoring 12 runs on 21 hits. Miami outfielder Chris Coghlan has been a major threat the last four games, going 7-for-16, and has four RBIs the last two. The Marlins need a victory to avoid letting their losing streak grow to a season-high eight.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, Sun Sports (Tampa), Fox Sports Florida

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Roberto Hernandez (2-5, 5.73 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Tom Koehler (0-2, 3.18)

Hernandez has struggled in his last two starts, yielding 10 runs in six innings combined. The right-hander has allowed three runs or fewer in only three of nine starts, but has struck out 45 in 48 2/3 innings. Hernandez pitched once in his career against the Miami franchise, giving up three runs in seven innings while he was with the Cleveland Indians in 2007. Miguel Olivo is 4-for-10 against Hernandez.

Koehler has pitched well in his three starts, even though he lost two of them and did not get a decision in the other. The right-hander, who made his major-league debut last September, has allowed six runs over 17 innings in his last three outings with 11 strikeouts and four walks. Koehler started the season in the bullpen and has given up 21 hits in 28 1/3 innings overall.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Rays have 22 errors through the first 51 games after committing 43 miscues in that span last season.

2. Miami rookie RF Marcell Ozuna has hit safely in 13 straight games, going 16-for-48 to raise his average to .316.

3. Tampa Bay CF Desmond Jennings is 4-for-6 with two walks and an RBI the last two games after moving from leadoff to seventh in the batting order.

PREDICTION: Marlins 6, Rays 5