Zimmerman returns as Nationals go for series win over Marlins

Sep 9, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher

(27) pitches during the fifth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park. Washington Nationals defeated against the Atlanta Braves 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

After last night’s 3-2 win over the Marlins, the Nationals are back in action tonight as they go for a series win over Miami.

Jordan Zimmermann (12-5, 2.83 ERA) gets the start for the Nationals as he looks to continue his excellent season. The Nationals’ right-hander has been dominant all year and has been one of the best pitchers in the game during the second half, going 6-0 with a 2.16 ERA in his last 10 starts.

Zimmermann pitched well his last time out, allowing just six hits while striking out five in 6 2/3 scoreless innings against the Mets. In his career against the Marlins, Zimmermann is 5-3 with a 3.83 ERA in 89 1/3 innings pitched.

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The Marlins will counter with right-hander Jarred Cosart (4-2, 2.05 ERA), who gave up just two runs over six innings against the Mets his last time out. The Marlins’ right-hander has been dominant of late, going 3-1 with a 1.79 ERA in his last six starts.

In his career against the Nationals, Cosart has allowed two runs while striking out six over six innings of work.

The Nationals’ offense should get a big boost tonight as Ryan Zimmerman is back in the lineup for the first time in two months. Zimmerman, who missed 55 games with a Grade 3 strain in his right hamstring, was activated before tonight’s game and will play left field, batting sixth.

Prior to tonight’s game, the Nationals are 89-64 on the season and lead the Dodgers by two games in the race for home field advantage in the playoffs. With the Dodgers’ loss to the Cubs earlier today, a win tonight would shrink the Nationals’ Magic Number to secure the best record in the National League to 5.

Here are the lineups for tonight’s game:

1. CF: Denard Span
2. 3B: Anthony Rendon
3. RF: Jayson Werth
4. 1B: Adam LaRoche
5. SS: Ian Desmond
6. LF: Ryan Zimmerman
7. C: Wilson Ramos
8. 2B: Asdrubal Cabrera
9. SP: Jordan Zimmermann

1. LF: Christian Yelich
2. 2B: Donovan Solano
3. 3B: Casey McGehee
4. CF: Marcell Ozuna
5. 1B: Justin Bour
6. RF: Reed Johnson
7. SS: Adeiny Hechavarria
8. C: Jeff Mathis
9. SP: Jarred Cosart