Minnesota @ Washington preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 7, 2013 ) Minnesota 0, Washington 0

The Minnesota Twins and Washington Nationals will meet for the first time in five years when they play Saturday at Nationals Park, one day after the series opener was postponed by rain. Washington has dropped five of seven to fall below .500 and had Thursday's meeting with the New York Mets postponed because of rain. However, the Nationals are 6-1 at home against American League opponents in 2013.

The Twins are coming off two straight losses in Kansas City, including a 7-3 setback on Thursday. This marks Minnesota's first trip to the nation's capital since 1971, when it played the expansion Washington Senators - the Twins were the original Senators club until 1961, when they moved to Minnesota. Friday’s rainout will be made up as the nightcap of a day-night doubleheader Sunday.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FSN North (Minnesota), MASN2 HD, WUSA 9 (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Kevin Correia (5-4, 4.09 ERA) vs. Nationals LH Gio Gonzalez (3-3, 3.64)

Following a strong burst out of the gate, Correia has given up at least three runs in six straight starts and has surrendered six home runs in his last two as his ERA has risen over 4.00 for the first time as a Twin. The veteran has a 5.86 ERA on the road this year but owns a 3.33 mark in 13 career games (six starts) against Washington.

Gonzalez was bumped from Thursday because of the rainout, which now pits him against a team that has given him fits over the years. In six career starts against the Twins, the southpaw is 2-3 with a 7.80 ERA - his highest mark against any opponent. Gonzalez is 0-1 despite a 2.14 ERA over his last five starts overall.

WALK-OFFS

1. Minnesota has won seven of the nine all-time meetings, including a three-game sweep at home in 2008.

2. Twins 1B Justin Morneau belted a grand slam and a three-run homer against Gonzalez on July 20, 2009.

3. Nationals RF Bryce Harper, who is on the 15-day disabled list with a left knee injury, is planning to visit noted orthopedist Dr. James Andrews on Monday for a second opinion.

PREDICTION: Twins 5, Nationals 4