Miami @ Milwaukee preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 12, 2013 ) Milwaukee 10, Miami 1

The Miami Marlins appear to be moving in the right direction despite owning the second-worst record at the All-Star break. The Marlins (35-58) look to build off a 22-17 stretch when they visit the struggling Milwaukee Brewers on Friday to begin a three-game series. "I'm excited," Miami manager Mike Redmond said. "These guys are playing hard. They're running balls out. It's fun to see them have some success because they deserve it."

Milwaukee (38-56) lost four of its last five games and has the fourth-worst record in the majors due to poor starting pitching and a league-low .181 batting average with two outs and runners in scoring position. Jean Segura and Carlos Gomez are bright spots for the Brewers’ offense, combining for 220 hits, 25 homers, 81 RBIs and 48 stolen bases. Milwaukee slugger Ryan Braun is expected to return from the bereavement list.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Miami), FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Jacob Turner (3-1, 2.33 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Kyle Lohse (5-7, 3.67)

Turner has allowed two or fewer runs in six of eight starts. Acquired from the Detroit Tigers last July in the Anibal Sanchez trade, the 22-year-old has yielded 44 hits - including one home run - in 54 innings. Segura was 2-for-3 against Turner when the right-hander gave up four runs over seven innings in a no-decision versus Milwaukee on June 11.

Lohse lost in his last outing against Arizona after allowing five runs over 6 1/3 innings, but is 4-1 overall in nine starts with a 2.91 ERA since June 1. The veteran right-hander has surrendered 19 homers - tied for eighth most in the majors - in 115 1/3 innings with 71 strikeouts and 19 walks. Placido Polanco is 11-for-31 against Lohse, who is 5-2 lifetime with a 4.33 ERA versus the Marlins.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Brewers are second in the majors with 75 stolen bases, including 27 by Segura.

2. Miami starting pitchers are 13th in the majors with a combined 3.88 ERA and Milwaukee is 28th at 4.86.

3. Marlins C Jeff Mathis has thrown out 13 of 21 runners trying to steal while committing only one error in 29 games.

PREDICTION: Marlins 4, Brewers 2