Miami @ Washington preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 8, 2012 ) Miami 6, Washington 7

The clock on Stephen Strasburg’s season ran out Saturday morning, but Washington shutting down its star hurler did not keep the Nationals from rallying for a stirring victory later that evening. Down three runs in the eighth inning and staring at a one-run deficit through a 2-hour, 33-minute rain delay, Washington nonetheless found a way to win with a 7-6 triumph in 10 innings. Since losing five games in a row, the Nationals have won nine of 11. Miami could not capitalize on winning Friday’s series opener and has lost 11 of its past 16.

The Marlins need a victory in the series finale to even the season series at 9-9. Both starting pitchers bring two-start winning streaks into the series finale. Washington’s Edwin Jackson has struck out nearly three times as many hitters as he has walked (147 to 50). Miami’s Ricky Nolasco beat the Nationals with a complete-game shutout on Aug. 28.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Florida (Miami), MASN 2 (Washington).

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Ricky Nolasco (11-12, 4.64 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Edwin Jackson (9-9, 3.63).

Nolasco is 1-2 in three starts against Washington this season. He allowed five hits, did not walk a batter and struck out six in the victory over the Nationals two weeks ago. Nolasco allowed just one earned run in seven innings in his last start Monday against Milwaukee.

Jackson has provided steadiness at the back of the Washington rotation all season. The right-hander is one victory away from reaching double-digit wins for the fifth consecutive year. Jackson is 0-2 against the Marlins this season despite a 3.86 ERA. He beat the Cardinals and Cubs in his past two starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Miami is 10-4 in extra-inning games, the most such victories in franchise history.

2. Right-handers are hitting just .215 against Jackson this season.

3. The Nationals, who are 6-2 in September, are the only team in the majors with a record above .500 in every month this season.