Florida (68-65) at Atlanta (58-75) 7:10 p.m. EDT

ATLANTA (Ticker) -- Before the Florida Marlins being a crucial 
series with the leaders in the National League East, they will 
look to try and down the Atlanta Braves on Thursday.

The Marlins will entertain the New York Mets (74-60), who sit 5 
1/2 games ahead of Florida for the division lead, this weekend.

First, Florida will go for consecutive series wins against 
Atlanta after dropping each of the first three series between 
the teams. For the season, the Marlins are 5-7 against the the 
Braves, who have lost 13 of 16.

Anibal Sanchez (2-2, 3.99) makes his sixth start since coming 
off the disabled list on July 31.  The righthander is 0-1 in two
road starts with a 5.56 ERA.

In his last start, Sanchez allowed eight hits and four runs in 6
1/3 innings and did not receive a decision in Florida's 5-4 win 
over the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Braves counter with rookie Charlie Morton (3-8, 6.39).  The 
righthander has lost three consecutive starts and six of seven 
overall.

Morton, 24,  did not make it out of the second inning in his 
last start.  He allowed four runs, five hits and five walks in 
just 1 1/3 innings.  It was the fourth time in 13 starts Morton 
did not make it into the fifth.