Marlins pitcher Ricky Nolasco (2-2) allowed three runs and four hits over seven innings -- his longest outing of the season -- during a 6-4 victory over the Cubs on Sunday. He had failed to complete more than six innings over his past six starts, dating back to last season, but kept Chicago scoreless over his final four innings.
Nolasco fell behind 3-2 when he permitted the first four batters to reach in the third inning, then didn't allow another baserunner in his second straight win. He also improved to 5-2 against the team that drafted him in 2001.
The veteran right-hander, who tallied two strikeouts and two walks Sunday, will face Philadelphia on the road in his next scheduled start Friday. Nolasco owns a 3-2 record and 3.42 ERA with 32 strikeouts over his past seven starts against the Phillies.