Three a tough magic number for Miami offense

PITTSBURGH -- No matter the combination of hits and walks, the Marlins repeatedly find themselves scoring three runs or fewer per game.

"It seems like we just keep getting stuck on that three. Usually, it's six hits, three runs," manager Mike Redmond said. "I laugh, but I'm really crying inside. We've got to keep battling. Our pitching continues to give us a chance and keep us in these ballgames."

The problem is the run support remains minimal. In their four-game losing streak heading into Thursday, the Marlins have scored eight total runs.

In the first game at Pittsburgh, they lost, 4-3, on Tuesday, and on Wednesday night fell, 4-2.

For the season, the Marlins have scored three or fewer runs 74 times, and they are 13-61 in those games.

"We've had that happen to where we've put so much pressure on our pitchers, where if they make a mistake, it ends up costing us the game," Redmond said. "We've got to be able to score more runs."

On the plus side, first baseman Logan Morrison is heating up. He's had a hit in all six games in August, and is 11-for-25 (.440) with three doubles, one triple and six RBIs in the month.

After missing major chunks of the last two seasons due to two right knee surgeries, Morrison is making strides with consistent playing time.

"I feel like now he's just starting to feel more comfortable," Redmond said. "He's been able to put together better at-bats. Hopefully he will go out and finish these last couple of months strong."