Miami @ Washington preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 29, 2018 ) Washington 0, Miami 5

The Washington Nationals finished an otherwise dismal road trip with a much-needed win and will try to carry some momentum into the opener of a six-game homestand against the Miami Marlins on Friday. The Nationals were 1-5 to begin the trip - a stretch that included multiple bullpen meltdowns - before hanging on for a 5-4 win in a series finale at St. Louis on Thursday.

Bryce Harper went 3-for-5 with three RBIs for Washington and has driven in 23 run in 25 games since the All-Star break. Max Scherzer leads the National League in wins, ranks second in ERA and paces the majors with 227 strikeouts as he gets set to start the opener of the three-game series for the Nationals. Dan Straily gets the nod for the Marlins, who have lost five straight and 14 of their last 16. Washington won 13 of 14 meetings between the teams before losing three of the last five, including the final two in a four-game series at Miami at the end of July.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Miami), MASN2 (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Dan Straily (4-5, 4.42 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Max Scherzer (15-5, 2.19)

Walks continue to be an issue for Straily, who issued nine free passes in 10 innings through his first two starts this month. He gave up five runs in 11 2/3 innings in two matchups with the Nationals in July. The 29-year-old, who has a 3.93 ERA in 10 road outings, has never won in seven career starts against Washington.

Scherzer is 2-0 with a 0.96 ERA over his last four starts while limiting opponents to 14 hits in 28 innings as he forges toward a potential third straight Cy Young Award. His last non-quality start was against the Marlins on July 7, when he allowed four runs in seven innings while picking up the win. Scherzer has won all three of his starts versus the Marlins this season and is 10-3 with a 3.25 ERA lifetime versus Miami.

WALK-OFFS

1. Marlins RHP Jose Urena was suspended six games for hitting Atlanta Braves rookie Ronald Acuna Jr. with a pitch Wednesday.

2. Nationals RHP Koda Glover threw a scoreless inning Thursday to notch his first save of the season.

3. Washington 3B Anthony Rendon is 6-for-14 with three walks and four runs scored during a four-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Nationals 6, Marlins 2