Pittsburgh @ Washington preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 2, 2011 ) Pittsburgh 3, Washington 4

THE STORY: The last three games between the Washington Nationals and Pittsburgh Pirates have been decided by two runs or less. Things don’t figure to change much given the scheduled starters for their next matchup. Nationals' righthander Jason Marquis looks to stay undefeated at home Sunday against Kevin Correia, who has been dominant on the road, in the finale of an ultra-tight four-game series. The teams split a day-night doubleheader Saturday with Pittsburgh winning the first game 5-3 and Washington taking the nightcap 4-3.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, ROOT (Pittsburgh), MASN2 (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Jason Marquis (7-2, 3.62 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Kevin Correia (10-6, 3.79). Correia has been one of the biggest surprises in the majors this season. The converted reliever is the first Pirates’ pitcher to win 10 games before the All-Star break since Bob Walk in 1993. He won a second straight start despite allowing four runs and five hits in six innings against Toronto on Tuesday. Correia improved to 8-2 with a 2.69 ERA in 10 road starts. His last outing against Washington was a forgettable one, however. He was ripped for five runs and a season-high 11 hits in 4 2/3 innings of a 6-3 loss on April 24. Marquis is 4-0 with a 2.13 ERA in six starts at Nationals Park. Marquis, though, is winless in his last three starts after receiving a no-decision against the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday. He allowed four runs - three earned - and eight hits in five innings. Marquis is 12-6 with a 3.60 ERA in 27 games against Pittsburgh. Neil Walker is 4-for-6 against him and Lyle Overbay is hitting .316 (6-for-19) with a homer and four RBIs against Marquis.

ABOUT THE NATIONALS (42-42): The Nationals have won 12 of 14 at home following Saturday’s split of the day-night doubleheader. They improved to 2-4 under interim manager Davey Johnson, who had to ask reporters for directions to his new home following Friday’s walk-off win. The Nationals have been making their fans sweat lately. Washington’s last seven wins - including each of its last five home wins - have each been by one run. Needless to say, the Nationals could use more production out of Jayson Werth, who was booed after going 0-for-3 on Saturday night and is hitting .165 in June. They couldn’t be happier, however, with rookie Danny Espinosa, who leads all second baseman with 15 home runs.

ABOUT THE PIRATES (42-41): The Pirates lost their hottest hitter, Ronny Cedeno, to a concussion Friday night. Cedeno entered the game hitting .483 during a nine-game hitting streak but was injured while trying to break up a double play. He was placed on the seven-day concussion list Saturday. Pirates closer Joel Hanrahan tied a franchise record with his 24th straight save by nailing down the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader. Chris Resop has also been brilliant out of the bullpen. The righthander has allowed only one hit in the last 20 at-bats with runners in scoring position.

FINAL PITCH: Correia is looking to become the first Pirates' starter to win 11 games prior to the All-Star break since Jim Bibby in 1980.