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Nationals return home looking to snap losing streak

Apr 7, 2008 - 1:32 PM Florida (3-3) at Washington (3-4) 7:10 pm EDT

WASHINGTON (Ticker) - After a fast start to the season, the Washington Nationals look to snap a four-game losing streak when they host the Florida Marlins on Monday.

The Nationals won their first three games to begin the 2008 campaign, but have not won since, including a three-game sweep over the weekend at the hands of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Washington plays its second game in its new stadium following a 3-2 triumph over Atlanta on March 30. Ryan Zimmerman gave the Nationals a dramatic win, homering in the bottom of the ninth inning.

Tim Redding (1-0, 0.00 ERA) was dominant in his first start, allowing just one hit over seven innings with three walks and two strikeouts, winning a 1-0 decision over Philadelphia on Wednesday. The righthander is 3-0 lifetime against Florida.

The Marlins will be playing their first road game of the season after nearly sweeping Pittsburgh over the weekend. Florida dropped the series finale, 9-2, on Sunday.

Young lefthander Andrew Miller (0-1, 10.38) will get the start for the Marlins, looking to bounce back from a rough first outing. Miller was rocked for five runs and eight hits in 4 1/3 innings in a 13-0 loss to the New York Mets on Wednesday.

It was the first start in a Florida uniform for Miller, who was acquired from Detroit as part of the deal that sent Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera to the Tigers in the offseason.

Florida has struck out 55 times in six games this season.