BALTIMORE (Interstat) — The Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles open a three-game series Friday night at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, with both clubs looking to gain traction in their respective division races. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. under mostly cloudy skies and a temperature of 78 degrees. Washington (41-40) enters having dropped two of three at home to the Philadelphia Phillies, including a 5-4 loss Wednesday. The Nationals hold a slim one-game edge over .500 but have alternated wins and losses over their past six games. Baltimore (38-44) arrives after a 7-6, 10-inning loss Wednesday at the Los Angeles Angels, a defeat that dropped the Orioles six games under .500. The club has lost four of its last six. The series marks the second meeting between the Beltway rivals this season. Washington took two of three at home in May, winning 3-2 and 13-3 around a 7-3 Baltimore victory. Players to watch Carson Palmquist, Nationals: The right-hander worked 3 1/3 innings of relief Wednesday against Philadelphia, allowing two hits and one earned run while striking out three. He was tagged with the loss in the 5-4 defeat. Samuel Basallo, Orioles: The catcher enjoyed a standout performance Wednesday, going 2-for-5 with two home runs and four RBIs in Baltimore’s extra-inning loss. Over his last 10 games, Basallo is hitting .300 with two homers and six RBIs. Projection The Interstat game simulator projects a 5-4 Washington victory. Up next The teams continue the series Saturday and Sunday at Camden Yards before both clubs hit the road. Washington visits Boston for three games beginning Monday, while Baltimore hosts the Chicago White Sox for three starting the same day.