Victories have been hard to come by for the Miami Marlins and the Chicago Cubs, and both struggling teams will try to build some momentum when they meet for a four-game series beginning Thursday at Marlins Park. Miami is still looking for its first series victory - and its first back-to-back wins - and has posted a 2-7 record in its spacious home park. The Cubs haven't won a series since taking two of three at Pittsburgh to start the season and have lost eight of their last 10 games.
The Marlins had a day off Wednesday after splitting a pair of games at Minnesota. They've lost three of four and rank last in the National League in several offensive categories, including runs and batting average. The Cubs haven't been much better with the bats, and they were shut out in Wednesday's series finale at Cincinnati.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, WCIU (Chicago)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Edwin Jackson (0-3, 4.84 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Kevin Slowey (0-2, 1.90)
Jackson is still looking for his first win for the Cubs and he hasn't been particularly sharp in his first four starts. He was better his last time out but was hurt by three errors - including one of his own - that led to four unearned runs. The 29-year-old is 1-6 with a 6.69 ERA in eight games (seven starts) against the Marlins, and he lost all three starts against them last season.
Slowey has been the picture of tough luck, as he remains winless despite allowing one earned run in three of his four starts. The 28-year-old has not won a major-league game since Sept. 18, 2011, and has lost his last 10 decisions. Slowey won his only outing against the Cubs with a quality start at Wrigley Field in 2009.
WALK-OFFS
1. Chicago starting pitchers have recorded quality starts in 12 of 20 games but have only three wins.
2. Marlins RF Giancarlo Stanton is batting .200 with 21 strikeouts in 55 at-bats and has not yet hit a home run. Stanton hit 93 home runs over his first three seasons, including 37 last year.
3. Cubs CF David DeJesus is 7-for-20 (.350) with four doubles and a homer against Slowey. DeJesus went 0-for-4 on Wednesday but is 15-for-41 (.366) with three home runs over his past 12 games.
PREDICTION: Cubs 4, Marlins 3