The Washington Nationals host the Miami Marlins at Nationals Park on Friday, August 28, with first pitch scheduled for 6:45 PM ET. Washington sends right-hander Jackson Kent to the hill opposite Miami's hard-throwing Eury Pérez in what shapes up as an intriguing pitching matchup between two NL East clubs playing out the string in the regular season. The game airs locally on Fox 5 WTTG and Nationals.TV, giving D.C. fans no excuse to miss it. Both teams are chasing wins wherever they can find them, and a home date under the lights at Nationals Park always carries its own energy.
Starting Pitchers: Jackson Kent vs. Eury Pérez
Jackson Kent gets the ball for Washington in this one. The young arm has been part of the Nationals' rotation picture this season, and Friday night represents another opportunity to build on that. Kent's precise numbers aren't available at this moment, but the Nationals have shown faith in him by handing him a Friday night start against a divisional opponent — that's not nothing.
On the other side, Eury Pérez takes the mound for Miami. The 21-year-old right-hander has been one of the more electric arms in the NL East when healthy and effective, and Washington hitters will need to bring a disciplined approach against him. Pérez has the kind of stuff that can make a lineup look foolish if it gets passive early. Exact current-season ERA and win-loss figures are not confirmed for this preview, so watch the Marlins' lineup card for any late changes.
Keys to Watch for the Nationals
- Make Pérez work early: The more pitches Pérez throws in the first three innings, the better Washington's chances of getting into Miami's bullpen before the seventh. Draw walks, foul off tough pitches, and don't let him cruise.
- Kent's command: When Kent is throwing strikes and keeping the ball down, he gives Washington a chance. If his command wavers and he falls behind in counts, Miami's lineup can make him pay. His ability to control the strike zone will set the tone for Washington's night.
- Run support: The Nationals need to cash in opportunities when they come. Leaving runners on base against a pitcher with Pérez's ceiling is a fast track to a loss. Timely hitting — especially with two outs — could be the difference.
Prediction
This is a winnable game at home for Washington. Nationals Park has a way of lifting the club when they need it, and a Friday night crowd gives this team an extra gear. The matchup hinges on whether Jackson Kent can keep Miami off the board long enough for Washington's offense to get something going against Pérez. It won't be easy — Pérez is legitimately dangerous — but the Nationals have the home field and the motivation. Edge: Nationals, 4–2.
