The Marlins continued their recent hot streak Thursday night by defeating the Houston Astros 8-1, pushing their win streak to 8 games. Thursday’s defeat of the Astros gave the Marlins a series sweep, their second in a row. Their current 8 game win streak is their longest since a 9 game win streak in 2006.

As with Tuesday and Wednesday night, the Fish didn’t wait long to jump all over the Astros starting pitching. By the 4th inning the Marlins already had a comfortable 4-1 lead and had chased the Astros starter from the game. Scott Olsen pitched 7 innings allowing 3H, 1ER, and 7Ks to pick up his 2nd straight victory and improve his record to 8-10.

Cameron Maybin, acquired from the Detroit Tigers in the Miguel Cabrera/Dontrelle Willis deal, made his first start for Florida tonight and was impressive. Maybin played in place of the injured Hanley Ramirez who was left out of the lineup to rest a sore shoulder. Maybin was 4-4 and scored twice.

The Marlins improved their record to 80-72, but again gained no ground in the Wild Card or NL East race. While the Marlins did move ahead of the Astros in the Wild Card (they are even at 5 GB but the Marlins are ahead of the Astros) they could not gain ground on the New York Mets who defeated the Washington Nationals 7-2. The Fish also remained 5 1/2 games back of the NL East lead as the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Atlanta Braves 4-3.

It is unfortunate that the Marlins current run of good form is not gaining them much ground in the playoff race. However, it does make this weekend’s series against the Phillies even more important. The Marlins can gain ground this weekend and use their favorable schedule next week to maintain their position or move even closer in both races. The only downside is the Marlins have to continue to play near PERFECT baseball in order to make a serious run at the playoffs. Nonetheless, it is not impossible, it could happen, so lets go Fish!