=== Florida Marlins Team Report - August 18 ===

(My Sportsbook) - The Florida Marlins continue their quest for the National League wild card spot as they open a three-game series versus the Colorado Rockies Tuesday night at Coors Field.

The Marlins are coming off a three-game sweep of the San Diego Padres and enter Tuesday's action a half game behind the Philadelphia Phillies for the wild card slot. The Phillies play in St. Louis Tuesday night.

On Sunday, Josh Beckett threw eight terrific innings in the longest outing of his career to lead Florida to an 11-7 victory. Beckett (6-6) was charged with two runs on five hits. He fanned eight and walked two. Derrek Lee belted a solo homer and Ivan Rodriguez added three hits -- including a triple -- and knocked in a pair of runs for the Marlins, who have won five of their last six.

Florida, which will start a nine-game road trip, is 29-30 outside Pro Player Stadium. The Marlins have won six of their last nine road contests.

Righthander Carl Pavano makes his career-best 26th appearance and 25th start of the season on Tuesday night. Pavano enters Tuesday night's start off a no- decision on Wednesday versus Los Angeles, as he pitched seven shutout innings, allowing five hits and three walks with five strikeouts.

Pavano is 3-0 over his last five starts and hasn't lost since July 9 against the Cubs. His three straight wins matches a career-best. He is 2-6 with a 5.03 ERA in 10 road starts this season.

Pavano will try to become the fourth Marlin pitcher to post double digit wins, joining Dontrelle Willis, Mark Redman and Brad Penny.

Pavano faces the Rockies for the seventh time in his career on Tuesday night and is 2-1 all-time versus Colorado. He has made one career start in Colorado, August 10, 1998, and allowed two runs -- one earned -- on seven hits in six innings. He faced the Rockies earlier this year, May 11 at home, and collected the win, allowing two runs in seven frames.