Miami @ Milwaukee preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 19, 2013 ) Miami 0, Milwaukee 2

The Milwaukee Brewers are a long shot to climb back into playoff contention after a rough first half, but they could be quite the pests if their starting pitching comes around. The Brewers look to build off a shutout in the series opener when they host the Miami Marlins on Saturday with Yovani Gallardo on the mound. Milwaukee’s starting pitchers own a 4.80 ERA, the worst in the National League, even after Kyle Lohse’s six strong innings in Friday's 2-0 victory.

Milwaukee's Carlos Gomez belted his team-leading 15th homer Friday after struggling through a 2-for-32 stretch. Miami has cooled off a bit after going 22-16, losing its last two games and scoring only twice in 19 innings. The Marlins could use more from rookie Marcell Ozuna, who is 4-for-36 over his last nine games, while veteran Jeff Mathis had collected 15 RBIs in his last 13 contests.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Miami), FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Nate Eovaldi (2-0, 2.93 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Yovani Gallardo (7-8, 4.83)

Eovaldi has solidified a spot in the rotation, allowing three runs or fewer and pitching at least six innings in all five starts. The 23-year-old yielded three runs and three hits over six innings to beat Washington in his last outing and has made three straight starts without allowing a homer. Ryan Braun is 3-for-7 with a blast against Eovaldi, who is 0-3 with a 3.00 ERA in three starts versus Milwaukee.

Gallardo pitched eight scoreless innings to beat Miami on June 10 but has struggled in his last four appearances. The veteran gave up 20 runs (18 earned) over 19 innings in those four starts, losing two of three decisions. Gallardo is 4-0 with a 1.29 ERA in six career outings versus Miami.

WALK-OFFS

1. Marlins SS Adeiny Hechavarria had three hits Friday and is 24-for-54 in 14 games this month.

2. Milwaukee’s three scoreless innings in the series opener lowered its bullpen ERA to 2.94 – the third-best mark in the majors.

3. Miami starting pitchers have allowed three or fewer runs in 24 of their last 27 games.

PREDICTION: Marlins 5, Brewers 3