The Washington Nationals wrap up the work week at home on Friday, August 28, when they host the Miami Marlins at Nationals Park for a 6:45 PM ET first pitch. Washington sends right-hander Jackson Kent to the mound against Miami's highly regarded young arm Eury Pérez. Both clubs are deep in the regular season grind, and with two NL East rivals squaring off under the lights in D.C., there's genuine intrigue in this matchup regardless of where either team sits in the standings. Catch it on Fox 5 WTTG, Nationals.TV, or WJFK 106.7 The Fan.

Pitching Matchup: Jackson Kent vs. Eury Pérez

Jackson Kent gets the ball for Washington. The Nationals will be counting on him to eat innings and keep a Marlins lineup that features some athletic, contact-oriented pieces off the scoreboard. Kent's assignment is straightforward: work ahead in counts, limit free passes, and give the bullpen a rest.

On the other side, Eury Pérez is the name Miami fans have been excited about for years. The young right-hander has electric stuff and carries the kind of ceiling that makes opposing lineups uncomfortable. Washington's hitters will need a disciplined approach and patience early in counts to have any shot at getting to Pérez before he settles in.

Washington Nationals Lineup

• 1. CJ Abrams, SS
• 2. Abimelec Ortiz, 1B
• 3. Dylan Crews, RF
• 4. Daylen Lile, LF
• 5. Brady House, 3B
• 6. Jorbit Vivas, 2B
• 7. Harry Ford, C
• 8. Andrés Chaparro, DH
• 9. Jacob Young, CF

Miami Marlins Lineup

• 1. Heriberto Hernández, LF
• 2. Agustín Ramírez, DH
• 3. Otto Lopez, SS
• 4. Javier Sanoja, RF
• 5. Xavier Edwards, 2B
• 6. Kyle Stowers, 1B
• 7. Leo Jiménez, 3B
• 8. Esteury Ruiz, CF
• 9. Joe Mack, C

Keys to Watch

CJ Abrams Sets the Table

Abrams leading off is always a conversation starter. When he's on base, Washington's offense has a different energy entirely. His ability to work counts, get on base, and create pressure on the pitcher immediately matters against a starter as talented as Pérez. A productive first inning from Abrams could change the complexion of the game early.

Dylan Crews and Daylen Lile in the Middle of the Order

Batting third and fourth respectively, Crews and Lile represent Washington's best shot at doing damage with runners on base. Both are young players with real upside. If Ortiz can get on base ahead of them in the second spot, the Nationals have the pieces to put crooked numbers on the board against anybody.

Esteury Ruiz on the Bases

Miami's center fielder is a legitimate baserunning threat. If Ruiz gets on in a close game, Washington's battery of Kent and Harry Ford will need to be sharp holding him close. A stolen base or two from Ruiz can flip the momentum in a tight contest.

Harry Ford Behind the Plate

The young catcher's game-calling and pitch-framing will be under a microscope with Kent on the mound. Ford's development as a receiver is one of the more interesting storylines to track in Washington this season. A steady night behind the dish helps everybody.

Prediction

This one figures to be a pitcher's duel early, particularly if Pérez is sharp. Washington's lineup has the talent to battle, but getting to Pérez requires patience and discipline — two things young lineups can sometimes lack. If Kent can match Pérez through the first five innings and keep the Marlins off the board, the Nationals have enough offensive upside in Crews, Lile, and Abrams to steal this one late. Expect a close game decided in the seventh inning or later. Nationals 3, Marlins 2.