"Josh Johnson got the four-year, $39 million contract in January, but Ricky Nolasco has been the Marlins' ace this spring.

Based on his performance this month, Nolasco looks like he's primed for a solid year. He allowed one hit in 7 1/3 innings Sunday in Florida's 4-0 win over Houston, dropping his ERA over five starts to 1.78.

"Theres nothing more I can ask for. All I can try and do is let that carry over into the year and try to help this team win ballgames," he said.

Nolasco retired the first 16 batters he faced before Jason Castro lined a single to right with one out in the sixth inning. He allowed one more runner when he issued his first walk of the spring, missing on a 3-2 pitch with one out in the eighth inning.

He walked off the mound to a standing ovation. But 40 minutes after his exit, he was still fuming about allowing the walk.

"It's probably the worst way to end a day there. It's frustrating, especially being 0-2 to that guy," he said. "That just can't happen. I don't care how many walks I have or don't have."

Nolasco won 15 games in 2008 and had a solid spring last March, winning the honor of breaking camp as the opening-day starter. But he struggled to a 2-5 record and 9.05 ERA over his first nine starts in 2009, prompting a demotion May 27 to Class AAA New Orleans."