Preview: Nationals host Marlins in NL East tilt WASHINGTON (Interstat) — The Washington Nationals look to build on a series win when they open a three-game set against the Miami Marlins at 6:05 p.m. Monday at Nationals Park. Right-hander Sandy Alcantara (3-4, 4.02 ERA) is scheduled to start for Miami (26-34), which has lost four of its last five. Washington (31-29) counters with right-hander Zack Littell, who is expected to get the nod after a dominant May. Littell went 4-0 in five May starts, including a win Saturday against San Diego. In that outing, he allowed two runs over six innings, striking out five. Over his past two starts, covering 13 innings, he has surrendered three earned runs with 12 strikeouts. Littell faced Miami on May 9, taking a no-decision after allowing two runs in four innings. Alcantara has struggled of late, allowing four or more earned runs in three of his past four starts. The former Cy Young winner owns a 5.40 ERA over his last 22 innings. Washington won two of three at Miami in early May, including a 3-2 victory in the finale. The Nationals have won six of their last nine overall. Miami’s bullpen has been taxed after a 10-1 loss Sunday at New York. Right-hander William Kempner, who threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings in that game, could see work again. Kempner has not allowed an earned run over his past 3 1/3 innings. For Washington, the offense has been steady. The Nationals scored 13 runs in their weekend sweep of San Diego. Infielder CJ Abrams is hitting .327 over his past 10 games. Game-time temperature is forecast at 76 degrees under clear skies. Washington is a -1.5 run-line favorite, according to Interstat’s betting lines. The over-under is 8 runs. Interstat’s simulator projects a 6-4 Nationals victory. Following Monday’s game, the teams play Tuesday and Wednesday in Washington. The Nationals then travel to Arizona for four games, while Miami returns home to host Tampa Bay.