This is an 8* play on the Washington Nationals (8*)

The Nats will host the Miami Marlins in Game 1 of a new series in the Nation's Capital on Friday. Washington took two of three in a home series versus the Tigers this week, while Miami won two of three at home to the Brewers. This looks like a bad spot for the Fish, who are three games back of Washington in the NL East.

Gio Gonzalez will toe the slab for the home team, and he's normally brilliant at home in Washington. Gonzalez (2-1, 2.19 ERA) allowed five runs on seven hits over 5 2/3 innings in a loss to the Cubs at Wrigley his last time out. He's 1-1 with a 1.47 ERA at home this season, and he's 5-1 with a 2.34 ERA in his last seven starts versus Miami.

The Fish will hand the ball to Tom Koehler, who has already lost to Washington once this season. Koehler (2-3, 5.83 ERA) allowed a pair of runs on eight hits and four walks over 6 1/3 innings in a loss to the Nats in his season debut. He was 1-3 with a 5.33 ERA in four starts versus Washington last season.

Nats slugger Bryce Harper owns Koehler, batting .321 with six home runs and 11 RBIs in 28 at bats lifetime.

Take WAS.

GL,

Jesse Schule