Philadelphia @ Washington preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 31, 2014 ) Philadelphia 10, Washington 4

The Washington Nationals are scuffling, and their offense is the primary culprit. With no home runs in their last eight games, the Nationals will turn to the red-hot Doug Fister on Friday in the second contest of their four-game home series with the Philadelphia Phillies. Washington has scored more than four runs just once in its last eight games, including a lopsided 10-4 defeat in Thursday's series opener.

Grady Sizemore had three RBIs in that one, while Ben Revere had a career high-tying four hits for Philadelphia. The Phillies, who did not make any trades prior to Thursday's non-waiver trade deadline, have played four straight games decided by at least six runs. The Nationals made one move in acquiring Cleveland infielder Asdrubal Cabrera, who could start at second base Friday.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, CSN Philadelphia, MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Roberto Hernandez (5-8, 4.14 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Doug Fister (10-2, 2.69)

Hernandez has given up three earned runs or fewer in five of his last six starts, logging at least seven innings three times during that span. He allowed two runs in seven innings in his last outing - a 4-2 triumph versus Arizona. Hernandez, who pitched 7 1/3 scoreless innings to beat the Nationals on May 4, has never given up a home run to any active player on the Washington roster.

Fister has been outstanding for most of the season, but particularly over the last six starts, during which he is 5-0 with a 2.21 ERA. He last faced Philadelphia on June 5, allowing two runs in seven innings in a 4-2 victory. The Phillies player with the most head-to-head experience against Fister is Revere, who is 7-for-18 (.389) against the sinkerballer.

WALK-OFFS

1. Revere is aiming for his fifth straight multi-hit game.

2. Washington OF Denard Span had two singles on Thursday, but only has one extra-base hit (a double) in his last 19 games.

3. Philadelphia SS Jimmy Rollins has stolen 10 straight bases without being caught.

PREDICTION: Nationals 8, Phillies 2