Webb loses bid for 10th win

MIAMI - Brandon Webb did his part while going for a 10th straight victory, but the Diamondbacks’ offense — so helpful during the streak — was limited this time. The D-Backs, who had scored an average of 5.33 runs while Webb was in the game during his 9-0 start, got only one run Wednesday in a 3-1 loss to Florida at Dolphin Stadium.

Stephen Drew had three of the D-Backs’ four hits, and his fourth-inning home run off Ricky Nolasco was all the offense they would get.

Webb was attempting to tie Andy Hawkins (San Diego, 1985) as the only pitchers since 1919 to win their first 10 starts of a season.

“I’m not going to go 33-0, 34-0, probably,” said Webb, who has nine quality starts this season.

“It was going to happen sometime. Losing in this manner, to a guy who pitched a great game, is probably a good way for it to happen.”

Webb gave up three runs and seven hits in seven innings, striking out seven and walking none.

“There’s not going to be as much media around to be canonized — that’s probably the only good thing,” Webb said.

“I’m just going to have to go out in five days and try to get to 10-1.”

Webb had been followed by an ESPN reporter and camera crew since his last start Thursday.

The network selected Webb as their subject in documenting the life of a starting pitcher through one turn in the rotation.

“With Webb, it’s riding one of those tough rodeo bulls. You’ve just got to hang on,” Florida manager Fredi Gonzalez said.

With the Marlins trailing, 1-0, in the fifth, Gonzalez ordered a squeeze play after former D-Back Luis Gonzalez tripled to the gap in right-center field.

Matt Treanor got the bunt down, scoring Gonzalez to tie the game. Cody Ross, the next batter, homered for a 2-1 lead.

“I was scared when I saw” the sign, said Luis Gonzalez, who singled in the Marlins’ final run in the seventh.

Florida (26-19) won the first two games of the series matching division leaders as the D-Backs lost their fifth straight road game.

“We still have a lot to prove,” Luis Gonzalez said. “People are waiting to see if this is a legitimate team, and that’s to be expected. It’s a young team and a tough division.”

Nolasco, who entered the game with a 5.19 ERA, had his best start since 2006, giving up three hits and two walks through seven innings.

“You go out there and try to match a guy like that (Webb) inning for inning,” Nolasco said.

“You know he’s going to be good, and we’ve just got to try to be better. You’ve got to be on top of your game.”

The D-Backs (28-18) have scored 1, 2, 4, 2, 1 and 2 runs in their last six road games, their only victory in that stretch was Webb’s 2-1 victory over Jake Peavy on April 27.

They have 27 hits in their last six road games and are hitting .215 in 19 road games. They are hitting .296 at home.

“We were all hot at the same time,” Justin Upton said. “And as it looks right now, we’re all cold at the same time.”

Hawkins won his first 11 starts in 1985, following a no-decision with another victory.

Chicago White Sox knuckleballer Ed Cicotte won his first 12 in 1919, when he finished with 27 victories, although he was later banned from baseball for his part in fixing the 1919 World Series.

Tribune writer Jack Magruder contributed to this report

Turning point: Luis Gonzalez’s single to center field drove in Dan Uggla in the seventh inning for a 3-1 Florida lead.

Stat of the game: Cody Ross’ home run was the first this season by a right-handed hitter off Brandon Webb.

Unsung hero: Chris Snyder doubled, his second extra-base hit in as many games, and threw out Gonzalez attempting to steal second base.

Drew draws first blood: Stephen Drew’s home run gave the D-Backs a 1-0 lead in the fourth. Drew had three of the D-Backs’ four hits and is hitting .358 with three doubles, two triples and three homers batting in the No. 2 spot.