(Sports Network) - Right-hander Ricky Nolasco seeks a second win against Houston this season when the Florida Marlins host the Astros in the middle game of a three-game series at Dolphin Stadium.

Nolasco, who won 11 games as a rookie in 2006 before injuries limited him to just five appearances last season, defeated the Astros for his first win of 2008 back on April 11 in Houston.

In the Marlins' 10-6 triumph, Nolasco allowed seven hits and five earned runs over five innings, walking two batters and striking out two more.

The 25-year-old won 10 of his first 14 decisions prior to the All-Star break and is 4-3 since, including a six-start unbeaten streak that stretches back to early August.

Nolasco defeated the Philadelphia Phillies, 7-3, on September 10, allowing seven hits and three runs in 7 2/3 innings.

The Marlins have won five straight games in which he's pitched.

For the Astros, Galveston, Texas native Brandon Backe will try to make it four starts without a loss.

The 30-year-old earned his ninth win of the season on August 28 against Cincinnati allowing six hits and two runs over 6 2/3 innings of work.

He downed the Marlins for his first win of 2008 on April 12, blanking them on five hits over five innings in Houston's 5-0 victory.

Lifetime against Florida, he is 1-1 in six games - three starts - with a 1.96 earned run average in 18 1/3 innings.

On Tuesday, Chris Volstad tossed eight brilliant innings to lead the streaking Marlins to a 5-1 win.

Volstad (5-3) allowed one run on four hits and struck out four batters for the Marlins, who have won six straight and trail the Philadelphia Phillies by 5 1/2 games in the NL East.

Jorge Cantu drilled a three-run homer while Hanley Ramirez produced two hits and two runs scored in the win.

Michael Bourn scored the lone run for Houston, which sits three games back in the race for the NL wild card.

Astros starting pitcher Roy Oswalt entered the game with an 8-1 mark in his last 10 starts but suffered the loss. Oswalt (15-10) yielded five runs -- three earned -- on six hits over six innings with 10 strikeouts.

Houston took two of three from the Fish earlier in the season.