(Sports Network) - The scorching Florida Marlins attempt to set a franchise record for consecutive victories this evening in the second of a three-game series with the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium.

Florida ripped off its ninth straight win with an easy 9-1 triumph over the National League Central leaders on Tuesday. The surge has put the youthful Marlins, expected to be one of baseball's worst teams this season, right in the mix of the NL wild card race. Florida currently trails San Diego by just 1 1/2 games for the top spot.

The Marlins have won nine games in a row four times in their history and twice this season. The club also accomplished the feat from June 10-20. They also became the first team to put together two nine-game runs in a single year since 2001, when Arizona, Oakland, St. Louis and Seattle all did it.

Scott Olsen tossed eight strong innings on Tuesday while Dan Uggla homered and finished with four RBI in Florida's rout.

Olsen (11-7) gave up just one run -- a solo homer to Preston Wilson in the first inning -- on three hits, while striking out four and walking just one.

Josh Willingham also homered, Wes Helms drove in three runs and Hanley Ramirez hit an RBI triple and scored three times in the win.

Mark Mulder (6-7) looked terrible in his second start following a two-month stay on the disabled list. The veteran lefty gave up five runs on six hits in just 1 2/3 innings.

Gary Bennett had two hits for St. Louis, which was coming off a three-game sweep of the Chicago Cubs over the weekend. The Cardinals still hold a 3 1/2 game lead over fading Cincinnati in the NL Central.

Ricky Nolasco will take the ball tonight as Florida tries to extend its remarkable run. The rookie has been a real bright spot this season, posting an 11-7 record and a 4.45 ERA, but struggled mightily his last time out.

Nolasco lasted just two innings Friday against Milwaukee and allowed five runs and seven hits, although he did not receive a decision. Six days earlier, he took a loss to Atlanta after surrendering three runs and nine hits over six frames.

The 23-year-old's only career appearance against the Cardinals came in relief back in May, when Nolasco tossed 2 1/3 scoreless innings.

Jason Marquis continues his up-and-down season for St. Louis this evening. The right-hander hasn't been very good lately, as he is just 1-5 with a 6.44 ERA over his last six starts.

Marquis' recent slide continued Thursday in New York, when he was touched for five runs in six innings in a loss to Mets.

In 14 career appearances (seven starts) against Florida, Marquis is 3-3 with a 6.63 ERA. He did not face the Marlins when the teams met in Miami earlier this year.

The Cardinals have still taken 11 of the last 17 meetings between these teams and swept Florida in Dolphin Stadium back in May.