Nationals @ Marlins

Who will WIN this matchup?

Washington Nationals (9-8)

@ Miami Marlins (4-15)

Starting Pitchers:

Sanchez (WSH): 0-1; 4.86 ERA

Smith (MIA) 1-0; 2.65 ERA

Last 10 Games Played:

Washington Nationals: 6-4

Miami Marlins: 1-9

Current odds:

Washington Nationals: (-115)

Miami Marlins: (+105)

• The Washington Nationals have yet to win three games in a row this season but they have a chance to end that streak when they open a three-game set at the Miami Marlins on Friday night. The six-game road trip offers a chance to build some momentum for Washington, which has won two straight and will face a pair of last-place clubs in Miami and Colorado.“This road trip is really important for us,” reliever Sean Doolittle said after closing out Thursday’s 4-2 victory over San Francisco that wrapped up a 3-3 homestand. Juan Soto had a run-scoring double to give him eight RBIs in his last eight games and 13 on the season.

• The reeling Marlins have scored only three runs during a four-game losing streak and were blanked in back-to-back defeats to the Chicago Cubs to cap off a series sweep. “As a team we’re not getting it done,” manager Don Mattingly said after Miami’s ninth loss in 10 games. “Pretty much period right there. That’s going to have to change.”

• Sanchez, who spent the first 6 1/2 seasons of his career with the Marlins before he was traded to Detroit, remains in search of his first win with Washington despite a strong effort last time out. The 35-year-old Venezuelan tossed a season-high seven innings against Pittsburgh and allowed two runs on seven hits but had to settle for a no-decision. Countryman Martin Prado has been a nemesis with 15 hits in 36 at-bats off Sanchez, who was 0-1 with a 3.86 in two starts versus Miami last year.

• Smith is coming off his finest effort of the young season, earning his first win by striking out six and limited Philadelphia to one hit his over six scoreless frames. The 27-year-old Texan also registered a quality start in his previous outing at Atlanta, giving up three runs on four hits over six innings in a no-decision. Smith has pitched well at home in his two seasons with the Marlins, going 3-2 in nine starts while striking out 56 batters in 48 1/3 innings.

• Nationals 3B Anthony Rendon is riding a career-best 16-game hitting streak.

• Marlins OF Lewis Brinson is in a 1-for-22 rut over the past eight games.

• Nationals 1B Ryan Zimmerman, batting .184 this year, was just 6-for-33 against Miami last season.