Marlins embrace taking on tough teams like LA

MIAMI -- Postseason contenders like the Dodgers see playing the Marlins as an opportunity to collect some easy wins. Miami, after all, is in last place and is filled with many young, inexperienced players.

To the Marlins, taking on teams like the Dodgers is a test.

"When you're in a situation like us, it is always good to face good teams," manager Mike Redmond said. "We feel like, on any given night, we can beat anyone."

The Marlins showed that on Monday night, cooling off the Dodgers, a team that has won 42 of its last 52.

"When you play good teams, playoff-caliber teams, it tests you," Redmond said. "It tests the players to see, 'Where am I at?' For all of us, it's a barometer for where our team is and where we need to go to win ballgames.

"I don't think these guys get fazed by much after all we've been through. It's amazing. It's a great trait."