MIAMI (AP) -- Jamey Wright had to settle for the win instead of his first career shutout.

Wright took a three-hitter into the ninth inning but couldn't complete it as the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Florida Marlins 2-0 Monday night.

Wright (3-1) allowed three walks and struck out a career-high eight before being replaced after walking Mark Kotsay to lead off the ninth.

"I'm a little disappointed because I wanted the shutout," Wright said. "Overall though, it was a fun game to pitch. I mixed it up and changed speeds well tonight."

Bob Wickman replaced Wright and picked up his ninth save in 10 opportunities. Helping him achieve that mark was first baseman Charlie Hayes, who caught a hard-hit line drive off the bat of Cliff Floyd and doubled off Kotsay.

It was the sixth start of the year for Wright, who was on the disabled list until May 23 with a rotator cuff tear in his right shoulder. He fell just short of recording his fourth career complete game in his 82nd lifetime start.

"He got it going early and dominated throughout the game," Milwaukee manager Davey Lopes said. "I probably could have left him in there, but with a two-run lead, I was unsure."

Wright's effort overshadowed a fine performance from Florida's Chuck Smith (0-1). The 30-year-old rookie gave up two runs and four hits over 7 2/3 innings, walking one and striking out 11, the most by any Florida pitcher this season and one shy of the franchise record.

"I felt I had my best stuff," said Smith, who has allowed three runs and struck out 17 in his two major league appearances, both starts.

"He's had two real good outings," said Florida manager John Boles, whose team had its four-game winning streak snapped. "He's pitched well enough to have a couple of wins, but Wright was great tonight."

Milwaukee's offense came in the second inning. Geoff Jenkins doubled home Santiago Perez, who had been hit by a pitch. A Jeremy Burnitz single scored Jenkins to make it 2-0.

Game notes
The attendance of 7,612 was the third-smallest home crowd in Marlins history. The team's six lowest home attendance figures have been recorded this season. ... Milwaukee's Charlie Hayes is hitless in his last 19 at-bats. ... Florida's Preston Wilson extended his hitting streak to seven games. ... Milwaukee's Geoff Jenkins has hit safely in 13 of 17 games since coming off the disabled list May 29. ... The Brewers' Jeremy Burnitz has reached base safely in 17 of his last 20 contests.