Detroit @ Washington preview

Last Meeting ( May 8, 2013 ) Detroit 1, Washington 3

Managerial wisdom will not be in short supply when visiting Detroit wraps up a rain-delayed two-game series Thursday at Washington. Tigers skipper Jim Leyland and Nationals manager Davey Johnson have combined for 2,999 victories, and Leyland moved into 15th on the all-time list of games managed at 3,368 in Washington's 3-1 victory Wednesday. Johnson, who intends to retire from managing at season’s end, began his managing career with the Mets in 1984 – eight years before his right fielder Bryce Harper was born.

Harper, the Nationals’ 20-year-old star, shook off a rough week to play a big role in Wednesday’s victory. Harper had three hits in his previous 26 at-bats before contributing a sacrifice fly and a solo homer. Both teams have played well since May started. Washington has won five of its six games this month, while Detroit had a four-game winning streak snapped in the series opener.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, Fox Sports Detroit (Detroit), MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Doug Fister (4-0, 2.48 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Dan Haren (3-3, 5.01).

Fister is undefeated and has not been afraid to throw inside to hitters. After finishing fifth in the American League in hit batsman with 12 in 2012, Fister already has plunked nine hitters this season, tops in the majors. He got a no-decision in his last start Friday at Houston, allowing two earned runs in six innings.

Haren has improved steadily since allowing nine earned runs on 19 hits in his first two starts. He pitched a gem at Atlanta on Thursday, allowing one run on four hits in eight innings. Opponents are hitting .311 against the right-hander, and he has surrendered seven homers in 32 1/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Harper’s homer extended Washington’s streak of homering in a series to 67, tops in the National League and second in the majors (Texas, 76).

2. Detroit 3B Miguel Cabrera is 11-for-24 in his past six games and is second in the American League with a .381 batting average.

3. Twenty-eight of Washington’s first 33 opponents have taken the field with .500 or better winning percentages.

PREDICTION: Tigers 4, Nationals 3