Washington @ Miami preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 16, 2013 ) Washington 2, Miami 8

It took until the eighth home game for the Miami Marlins to go deep in their ballpark but the long ball drought is over entering Wednesday’s series finale against the Washington Nationals. Shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria hit a three-run homer in Tuesday’s 8-2 victory as Miami beat Washington for the first time in five meetings this season. The Nationals were without star outfielder Bryce Harper due to the flu and hope to have him back Wednesday.

Washington had outscored Miami 21-4 in four games prior to Tuesday’s loss. Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman made a throwing error that led to four unearned runs. The miscue was Zimmerman’s fourth in five games and he reiterated afterward that his surgically repaired throwing shoulder isn’t the reason for his string of errors. Nationals outfielder Denard Span (flu) and second baseman Danny Espinosa (wrist) are questionable for the finale. First-year Marlins manager Mike Redmond was glad to finally see the festivities that follow a homer. “I was beginning to think that the home run sculpture out there wasn’t plugged in,” Redmond said. “I’m glad that it’s working.”

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MASN 2 (Washington), Fox Sports Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals LH Ross Detwiler (0-0, 0.69 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Ricky Nolasco (0-1, 3.12)

Detwiler has strung together consecutive strong outings despite not having a victory. He allowed one unearned run in six innings against Cincinnati in his first start and followed up by allowing one run and four hits in seven innings against Atlanta. Detwiler went 2-0 with a 2.89 ERA in four career appearances (three starts) against the Marlins last season.

Nolasco has pitched well in each of his three starts but the Marlins have scored four runs behind him. He took a no-decision in his last outing when he gave up one run and seven hits in six innings against Philadelphia. Nolasco is 11-6 with a 3.54 ERA in 21 career appearances (19 starts) against Washington. He was 2-2 with a 2.45 ERA in four starts against the Nationals in 2012.

WALK-OFFS

1. Marlins OF Giancarlo Stanton (shoulder) missed his fifth straight game, but resumed taking batting practice Tuesday.

2. Zimmerman has three homers against Nolasco and Harper has hit two.

3. Miami had scored 23 runs in 13 games before breaking out for a season-high run total Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Nationals 7, Marlins 2