Pittsburgh @ Miami preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 26, 2013 ) Pittsburgh 0, Miami 2

The Miami Marlins are too far back to make a run at the playoffs, but they have been making quite an impression since May 31 by posting a 26-21 record. The Marlins look to continue their strong play when they host the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday in the second contest of a three-game series. Miami's starting pitchers have allowed three or fewer runs in 30 of its last 34 contests and slugger Giancarlo Stanton is starting to heat up, recording three extra-base hits in the last two games.

Pittsburgh has dropped two straight, managing only five hits in a 2-0 loss to the Marlins on Friday. The Pirates remained 2 1/2 games behind the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Central but learned they will be without closer Jason Grilli for up to two months due to a flexor strain in his right forearm. Catcher Russell Martin's status is uncertain after he tweaked his knee on Friday.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Pittsburgh), FSN Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Charlie Morton (2-2, 3.35 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Tom Koehler (2-5, 4.38)

Morton has helped the Pirates win five of his seven starts since returning from Tommy John surgery. However, the 29-year-old has yielded nine runs and five homers over 19 2/3 innings in the last three outings, winning one of two decisions. Stanton is 2-for-5 with a double against Morton, who is 2-3 in six starts versus Miami with a 5.06 ERA.

Koehler has settled into the rotation, winning his last two decisions - including a seven-inning effort at Colorado on Monday. The 27-year-old yielded three or fewer runs in eight of 11 starts, giving up a total of eight (seven earned) in the last four outings. Koehler, who never has faced Pittsburgh, matched his career high with seven strikeouts against the Rockies while allowing just one run.

WALK-OFFS

1. Marlins RHP Steve Cishek has converted 16 straight save opportunities and kept the opposition scoreless in 21 of his last 22 appearances.

2. Pirates LF Starling Marte had a bunt single Friday but is only 2-for-28 in his last seven contests.

3. Miami has won seven of its last eight home games against Pittsburgh.

PREDICTION: Marlins 3, Pirates 2