The Miami Marlins head to Washington for a Friday night matchup at Nationals Park, with first pitch scheduled for 6:45 PM ET on August 28, 2026. Eury Pérez gets the ball for Miami against Nationals right-hander Jackson Kent in what shapes up as an intriguing regular-season clash between two NL East rivals. For a Marlins club looking to build momentum on the road, this is exactly the kind of game where a strong starting pitching performance can set the tone for a series.
Marlins vs. Nationals: Pitching Matchup at Nationals Park
Eury Pérez is the story for Miami every time he takes the mound, and Friday is no exception. The young right-hander has the kind of ceiling that makes every Pérez start must-watch baseball. His combination of velocity, movement, and poise well beyond his years gives the Marlins a legitimate chance to win any game he starts. The full shape of his 2026 season line isn't at issue here — what matters is that when Pérez is on, he's one of the more difficult arms in the National League to square up.
On the other side, Washington sends Jackson Kent to the hill. Kent is a name Marlins hitters will need to be prepared for, and Washington will be counting on him to keep Miami's offense in check at home. Without a deep statistical record available on Kent heading into this one, the Marlins' approach at the plate — working counts, staying disciplined, and capitalizing on early-count mistakes — becomes even more important.
Keys to Watch for Miami
- Pérez's command early: When Eury Pérez establishes his stuff in the first two innings, he's capable of going deep into games and limiting damage. The Marlins need him to attack the zone from the first pitch.
- Offensive patience against an unknown: Facing a pitcher the lineup hasn't seen much can cut both ways. Miami's hitters need to work counts, gather information early, and not chase.
- Bullpen management: Road games against division opponents put a premium on getting length from the starter. The less Miami has to lean on the relief corps in a tight game, the better.
- Situational hitting: The Marlins have to convert when runners get into scoring position. Leaving runs on base in a low-scoring road game is a quick way to come home empty-handed.
Broadcast Information
Marlins fans can catch all the action on Marlins.TV presented by Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia. Radio coverage is available on WQAM 104.3 (English) and WAQI 710 (Spanish). Washington-market viewers can tune in to Nationals.TV, Fox 5 WTTG, or Gray Media.
Prediction
This one comes down to Pérez. If he's dialed in and pitching to contact, keeping the Nationals off the bases and limiting the long ball at Nationals Park, Miami has the pitching advantage to steal a road win on Friday night. Expect a competitive, low-scoring affair. Marlins 3, Nationals 2.
