=== Florida Marlins Team Report - June 29 === (My Sportsbook) - Dontrelle Willis tries to snap a brutal personal two-game losing streak as the Florida Marlins continue their four-game series against the Atlanta Braves tonight at Turner Field. Willis, last year's National League Rookie of the Year, has been battered for 16 hits and 13 runs -- 10 earned -- in his last two outings, covering 8 2/3 innings. He suffered a 9-4 loss to Mike Hampton and the Braves last Thursday after surrendering seven hits and six runs in four innings. The same two pitchers face off tonight. It's a sharp contrast as to how Willis started this season, with a 3-0 mark and a 0.00 ERA in his first three starts when the southpaw allowed only one unearned run on 13 hits in 19 1/3 innings. Willis has posted a 1-1 mark with a 4.13 ERA in four lifetime starts versus Atlanta. This will be his first career outing at Turner Field. On the positive side for Willis, he has gone 2-0 wit a 1.96 ERA in his last three road starts. The Marlins lost 6-1 last night in a game delayed nearly 3 1/2 hours at the start by rain. Florida starter Brad Penny lost for the fourth time in five starts. He allowed five runs on nine hits in five frames. The Marlins, who have lost four of their last five games, dropped into a virtual tie with Philadelphia atop the NL East with Florida one percentage point behind the Phillies. Florida has dropped five of its last seven on the road, but still has an above .500 (20-19) away mark this season. |
