Miami @ Tampa Bay preview

Last Meeting ( May 27, 2013 ) Miami 6, Tampa Bay 10

Kelly Johnson has performed well beyond expectations since being signed as a free agent by the Tampa Bay Rays over the winter. The veteran utilityman will look to improve upon his team-leading 10 home runs and 32 RBIs when the Rays host the Miami Marlins on Tuesday in the finale of a two-game set. Johnson, who is batting .355 in May, belted two homers and knocked in six runs as Tampa Bay posted a 10-6 victory on Monday, handing Miami its sixth straight loss. The Rays have beaten the Marlins in 10 of their last 11 meetings.

Miami is last in the majors in runs scored and has posted fewer than two 18 times but showed signs of breaking out with 11 hits on Monday. Rookie Marcell Ozuna continues to show he belongs as he extended his hitting streak to 12 games. Derek Dietrich, who was acquired from the Rays last December for Yunel Escobar, reached base three times in the series opener.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Miami), SunSports (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Kevin Slowey (1-5, 3.30 ERA) vs. Rays RH Jeremy Hellickson (2-2, 5.37)

Slowey allowed only one run and six hits over five innings in his last start but suffered his third straight loss. The right-hander was coming off two rough outings in which he surrendered a total of 11 runs in 7 2/3 frames. Slowey began the season strong, yielding two runs or fewer in six of seven starts. He is 0-1 with a 6.75 ERA in two career turns against the Rays. Matt Joyce is 1-for-7 with a homer against Slowey.

Hellickson pitched a season-high eight innings in his last outing, allowing two runs on four hits, but the bullpen let his victory get away. It was an improvement for the right-hander, who had yielded three or more runs in each of his previous five turns. Hellickson has given up 11 homers in 63 2/3 innings. He has pitched once against Miami, giving up one run in 4 1/3 frames. Miguel Olivo is 2-for-9 with a homer against Hellickson.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rays OF/INF Ben Zobrist batted in the leadoff spot for the first time in 2013 on Monday, recording a hit, a walk and an RBi while scoring three runs.

2. Miami OF Chris Coghlan is 10-for-29 with four walks in his last nine games.

3. Tampa Bay is 6-1 in interleague play this season, while the Marlins are 1-5.

PREDICTION: Rays 6, Marlins 3