(Sports Network) - Towering right-hander Josh Johnson tries to return to the winning side of the ledger tonight, when his Florida Marlins play the Washington Nationals in the second test of a three-game set at Dolphin Stadium.

Johnson was unbeaten in 10 starts in 2008 before dropping a 3-1 decision to the St. Louis Cardinals on September 7 at Busch Stadium. He allowed seven hits and three runs while walking two batters and striking out five.

The 6-7 Johnson missed all but four starts in 2007 with shoulder problems, then didn't debut this season until June 10, when he tossed five innings in a no-decision against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

In 10 starts before the St. Louis loss, Johnson allowed 65 hits and 23 runs in 63 2/3 innings. He is 1-0 in four career starts against the Nationals.

Journeyman right-hander Tim Redding looks for a fifth straight start without a loss for the Nats.

Redding was 8-8 after a 4-3 loss to Colorado on August 15, but is 2-0 in the four outings since, including defeats of the Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies on August 21 and 27, respectively.

In the four unbeaten starts, he's given up 18 hits and nine runs in 23 2/3 innings.

Redding is 4-2 lifetime against the Marlins with a 3.80 ERA in 47 1/3 innings.

On Friday, Jorge Cantu had a solo homer and Scott Olsen threw six effective innings as the Marlins topped the Nationals, 2-1.

Olsen (7-10) gave up just one run and six hits while walking four and striking out four for the win. Matt Lindstrom pitched a perfect ninth for his third save of the season.

Ramirez had two walks, two stolen bases and scored the other run for the Marlins, who have won three in a row. Florida is eight games back in both the NL East and wild card standings.

Shairon Martis (0-2) allowed two runs -- one earned -- on two hits and three walks in five-plus innings of work. The righty also recorded nine strikeouts in his second career start.

Willie Harris went 2-for-3 and scored the only run for the Nationals, who have now lost three straight. Anderson Hernandez had an RBI in defeat.

Florida has won 11 of its 13 matchups with the Nationals this season.