"Ricky Nolasco didn't receive any help from his teammates during his previous outing, but with Stephen Strasburg on the mound the Marlins at least had an excuse.

On Wednesday, the Marlins didn't have to contend with Washington's rookie phenom and gave Nolasco all the offensive support he needed.

Nolasco was exceptionally sharp and the Marlins bats opened on a hot streak. That was good enough for a win.

The Marlins scored five runs in the first two innings and watched Nolasco give up four hits through eight strong in a 5-2 victory against the Rockies.

The Marlins have won two of the first three in the series and go for the series win Thursday. Florida also has won four of its past five games.

``[The runs] just make my life easier,'' said Nolasco, who struck out eight as he moved into sole possession of second place on the franchise's all-time wins list with 50."