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Marlins-Nationals game canceled

Sep 26, 2008 - 4:18 AM WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- The game between the Florida Marlins and Washington Nationals on Thursday was canceled due to rain.

With both teams eliminated from playoff contention, the game will not be rescheduled. Each club has just three games remaining this season.

It was just the fourth rainout in Washington since the Nationals moved from Montreal prior to the 2005 season and second at Nationals Park. The first rainout at this stadium, which opened at the start of this campaign, came on June 4 against St. Louis.

Washington will travel to Philadelphia to open a three-game series with the Phillies on Friday. Thursday's scheduled starter, righthander Collin Balester (3-6), will take the mound in the series opener against Philadelphia's Joe Blanton (3-0).

The Marlins enter their weekend series with the New York Mets looking to play the role of spoiler for the second straight season. The Mets (88-71) are tied with the Milwaukee Brewers (88-71) for the National League wild card lead and trail the Phillies (89-70) by one game in the NL East Division.

Florida put the finishing touches on New York's epic collapse in 2007, when it blew a seven-game lead over Philadelphia with just 17 to play, by taking two out of three from its division rival - including an 8-1 victory in the season finale.

The Marlins will keep their rotation intact heading into Shea Stadium, skipping Thursday's scheduled starter Anibal Sanchez. Chris Volstad (5-4) will pitch Friday's series opener against Mike Pelfrey (13-10), with Ricky Nolasco starting Saturday and Scott Olsen going in the season finale on Sunday.