Tough test in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO — Road success is a big reason why the Marlins are two games back of the Phillies in the National League East.

The road gets a bit tougher beginning on Tuesday night at AT&T Park in San Francisco.

The Marlins open a three-city, nine-game West Coast swing at a place they’ve traditionally struggled. While they are 12-7 overall on the road this year, the Marlins are 12-23 lifetime at AT&T Park. Dating back to when the Giants were at 3Com Park, Florida is 23-48 all-time in San Francisco.

There is some encouragement looking back to 2010. Florida split four games in San Francisco. But from 2006-09, the team was 1-2 each season.

Still, the defending World Series champion Giants took five of seven from the Marlins a year ago, including a three-game sweep at Sun Life Stadium in Miami.

The last time the Marlins won a series in San Francisco was in 2005, when they took two of three. And they were last swept at the Giants in 2001.

– Joe Frisaro