SAN DIEGO, Cal. -- The Marlins' trip to San Diego got off on the right foot. The Fish beat the Padres to move to within 1 1/2 games of the first-place Philadelphia Phillies.

Once again, the Marlins were led by a solid pitching performance from Ricky Nolasco. He threw eight strong innings and gave up only one run. Nolasco may have come out to pitch the 9th, but he was lifted for a pinch-hitter in the 8th. Nolasco has now won nine of his last 10 decisions.

As for the Phillies, they tried to stage a furious 9th inning comeback against Billy Wagner and the Mets. They came up short and lost 10-9.

Tonight, two left-handed pitchers will duel in San Diego. The Marlins send Andrew Miller (5-7) to the mound against Padres starter Randy Wolf (4-8).

First pitch from San Diego is scheduled for 10:05 p.m.