Washington @ Miami preview
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Last Meeting ( Aug 28, 2012 ) Washington 0, Miami 9
The Washington Nationals no longer own the best record in the majors but are in possession of the longest losing streak in the league. With their lead in the National League East having dwindled to four games over the Atlanta Braves, the Nationals will look to end their slide when they wrap up a two-game road series against the Miami Marlins. The Marlins are shooting for their first three-game winning streak since July 4-6.
Left-hander Ross Detwiler will try to do what no one else in Washington's star-studded starting rotation could do, as he tries to snap the Nationals' longest losing streak of the season. The Nationals will need to give him support, though, as they've scored a total of five runs during the skid, including a 9-0 shutout Tuesday.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MASN 2, Fox Sports Florida
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals LH Ross Detwiler (7-6, 3.25 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Jacob Turner (0-1, 4.50)
Detwiler has been solid since rejoining the rotation June 24, going 3-3 with a 3.17 ERA in 11 starts since. He took the loss his last time out, allowing two runs on seven hits over 5 1/3 innings against Atlanta. Detwiler has tossed 12 scoreless innings in four career games against the Marlins - one start and three relief stints.
Turner earned another crack at starting when the 21-year-old held Arizona to three runs over six innings in his Marlins debut, prompting Miami to drop Wade LeBlanc from the rotation. Turner, who made three starts for Detroit before coming over in the trade that sent Omar Infante and Anibal Sanchez to the Tigers, has never faced the Nationals.
WALK-OFFS
1. Miami rookie Donovan Solano is riding a career-best 11-game hitting streak, the longest active streak in the National League.
2. The Nationals have the best road mark in the majors at 41-27 but are in danger of going winless on the current five-game road trip. They begin an 11-game homestand Thursday against St. Louis.
3. Miami OF Justin Ruggiano had a career-high four hits Tuesday and is hitting .327 in 70 games since the Marlins acquired him from Tampa Bay.