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Nationals aim to snap eight-game losing streak

May 11, 2007 - 2:46 PM Florida (16-18) at Washington (9-25) 7:05 pm EDT

WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- The struggling Washington Nationals look to snap an eight-game losing streak when they take on the Florida Marlins in the opener of a three-game series on Friday.

The Nationals hold the worst record in the major leagues and have lost eight in a row, including a 3-1 defeat to the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday. Brian Schneider had two hits for Washington, which managed to score in just four of the 27 innings of the three-game sweep.

The reeling Nationals, who concluded a nine-game road swing with Wednesday's loss, have not posted a victory in May.

They aim to get back on track behind Shawn Hill (2-3, 3.00 ERA), who allowed two runs and six hits in six innings in a 4-3 loss to the Chicago Cubs last Sunday. But in two home starts, Hill has not received one run of support this season.

The righthander has faced the Marlins twice this season, posting an 0-1 mark with a 3.27 ERA. He has faced Florida starter Scott Olsen (3-2, 4.89) in both of those contests and will again on Friday.

Olsen is 1-0 with an inflated 6.10 ERA in those two matchups. He pitched well in his last outing, allowing two runs - one earned - and four hits in 6 2/3 innings but suffered a 3-1 loss to the San Diego Padres last Sunday.

The Marlins have lost four of their last six game but secured a 3-0 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers last Thursday. Josh Willingham's three-run homer in the ninth inning lifted Florida to the triumph.