Miami Marlins starter Edinson Volquez will look to make history when he takes on the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday.
Volquez hurled a no-hitter in his last start and now has the opportunity to tie a record held by Johnny Vander Meer. In 1938, Vander Meer tossed no-hitters in back-to-back games, which is a feat that no other pitcher has matched.
While it is unlikely that Volquez accomplishes this piece of history, he could still continue a great personal stretch. After beginning the season with seven losses, Volquez has now on two starts in a row. The right-hander picked up the Player of the Week award for his work last week as well.
Volquez's start will come in the first game of a four-game series between the teams and with Miami coming off a victory over the Chicago Cubs. Miami ran into some trouble in Chicago, but the World Series champions were also riding a winning streak at the time.
In the second game of the series on Friday, Vance Worley will take the ball for the Marlins. Worley struggled mightily in his last start and he could be running out of time in the rotation. With Adam Conley pitching better in AAA recently, the Marlins could bring the lefty back up soon.
Dan Straily will go to the mound in the third game and he will be opposed by former Miami prospect Trevor Williams. This could be an interesting game, as both starters have had their ups and downs this season. Williams could also look for a little revenge, as Miami let him go in a trade for front office personnel. Straily meanwhile has seen Pittsburgh before and has fared well in a decent amount of action.
In the series finale, former Pirates' pitcher Jeff Locke will start for the Marlins. Locke had some big moments while in Pittsburgh and could use his experience in PNC Park to his advantage. Thus far Locke has made two starts for Miami, with one going well.
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Justin Bour will miss the series, as he remains on the disabled list. Without Bour, Miami will need more solid work from Marcell Ozuna in the middle of the lineup. Ozuna homered in Chicago on Wednesday and Miami will likely need a couple more of those during these four games.
Thursday's series opener will begin at 7:05 p.m.
