(Sports Network) - A coaching change hasn't helped to spark the Arizona Diamondbacks, who look to end a five-game slide this evening in the opener of a four-game series with the visiting Florida Marlins at Chase Field.
The Diamondbacks haven't won since interim manager Kirk Gibson's debut last Friday that came in the opener of a 10-game homestand. Arizona has been outscored 40-13 over its losing streak and is coming off an 8-3 setback to the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday.
Pitching for the second time since his no-hitter, Edwin Jackson took the loss after allowing five runs and six hits over five innings. He also drove in a run, but lost for the first time since May 28.
"It's one of those games where the numbers don't always tell the tale of how you pitched," Jackson said. "I felt like I made good pitches, they just found a way to find holes."
Chris Young added a two-run single for the Diamondbacks, who will try to play better defense tonight behind starter Rodrigo Lopez than they did in the 34- year-old's last start.
Lopez had a two-start win streak end after getting charged with nine runs in a 14-1 setback to the Dodgers on Saturday. However, only two of those runs were earned after Arizona committed five errors in Lopez's 3 2/3-inning start.
"I don't have words to describe it," said Lopez on Arizona's website. "I've never pitched with so many errors behind [me]. You get a ground ball, it's routine, and you're not able to make the outs. Frustrating for me pitching out there, and for them, too."
The right-hander is 4-7 with a 4.43 earned run average on the season and will start against Florida for the first time. He has faced them once in relief, allowing six runs on three hits and three walks while recording just two outs.
The Marlins, who have also made a change at the manager spot this year, have won three of their last four and took Wednesday's rubber match of a three-game set with the Dodgers by a 4-0 margin thanks to eight shutout innings from Josh Johnson. The All-Star allowed just six hits and struck out eight while lowering his MLB-leading ERA to 1.70.
"We needed a win, it is all about the team," said Johnson. "I was able to locate my fastball on both sides of the plate. I made pitches when I had to."