MLB

• Marlins, Nationals to conclude set with midweek matinee

  
  

  (Sports Network) - Streaking right-hander Ricky Nolasco seeks his fourth straight victory when the Florida Marlins host the Washington Nationals in the final game of a three-game series today at Miami's Dolphin Stadium.

  A 25-year-old Californian and former fourth-round draft pick of the Chicago Cubs (2001), Nolasco is unbeaten in four starts since June 5, winning three of them while allowing 23 hits and six earned runs in 29 2/3 innings.

  He was 1-3 over his first seven outings of the season, then improved his record with a 7-3 defeat of the Nationals May 9 in Washington. In that game, Nolasco gave up four hits and a run while striking out six in six innings.

  Nolasco is 4-1 lifetime in seven games (5 starts) with Washington, while posting a 3.77 earned run average with 17 strikeouts and six walks in 28 2/3 innings.

  For the Nationals, veteran lefty Odalis Perez faces Florida for the second time in 2008.

  The 31-year-old gave up five hits and an unearned run in six innings against the Marlins in April 20, getting a no-decision in Florida's 6-1 triumph.

  He is 2-2 lifetime against the Marlins in 11 games, including eight starts, while being touched for 51 hits and 20 earned runs in 50 2/3 innings.

  Perez defeated San Diego on May 28, but was sent to the 15-day disabled list one start later with tendinitis in his left shoulder.

  He allowed three hits in four scoreless innings in his return this past Friday and got a no-decision in the Nationals' 4-2 victory over the Baltimore Orioles.

  On Tuesday, Ronnie Belliard clubbed a grand slam to aid Collin Balester's first major-league victory as Washington downed Florida, 9-6.

  Balester (1-0) gave up just one run and one hit with three walks and three strikeouts over five frames in his major league debut. The right-hander was effectively wild in tossing 95 pitches Felipe Lopez went 3-for-4 with two RBI and Elijah Dukes homered for Washington, which snapped a six-game skid to the Marlines.

  Mark Hendrickson (7-7) took the loss after yielding six runs on 10 hits with three strikeouts over six frames. Hanley Ramirez homered and drove in a career-best five runs for Florida, which came into the night with an opportunity to take over first place in the National League East.

  However, Philadelphia beat Atlanta, 8-3, on Tuesday to extend its advantage over the Marlins to 1 1/2 games in the division race.

  Florida has dominated the 2008 season series with the Nats, having won nine of the 11 matchups. The Marlins are also 11-2 in their last 13 games against Washington.

  07/02 10:35:20 ET