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Josh Johnson looks to rebound against Nationals

Sep 13, 2008 - 10:13 AM Washington (56-91) at Florida (75-72), 7:10pm EDT

MIAMI (Ticker) -- It took Josh Johnson 11 starts this season before he finally lost. This weekend, he gets a chance to get back in the win column.

The Florida Marlins' 6-7, 230-pound righthander will take the mound on Saturday against the Washington Nationals as the Marlins attempt to win their fourth game in a row.

After recovering from "Tommy John" surgery to replace a ligament in his throwing elbow, Johnson (4-1, 3.33 ERA) returned to the Marlins' rotation in July and has been one of their most consistent weapons. He won his first four decisions before finally falling on September 7 against the St. Louis Cardinals, despite giving up three runs in 6 2/3 innings.

Facing the Nationals may be his best bet, considering his team's track record. The Marlins are 11-2 against Washington, including Friday's 2-1 victory.

Lining up opposite Johnson will be righthander Tim Redding (10-8, 4.49), who has one of the two Nationals wins against the Marlins this season. That came on April 18, as he gave up four runs and three hits in six hits, striking out 10 in a 6-4 Washington win.

The team's only other win against Florida was a 9-6 decision on July 1.

The Marlins come into this game riding an emotional high after setting a major league mark on Friday. Third baseman Jorge Cantu hit his 25th home run of the season, making the Marlins the first team in baseball history to have four infielders hit 25 home runs or more.