The Miami Marlins series against the Washington Nationals ended in a two-game split between both teams. After collecting consecutive victories, Miami lost the last game of the series. The 5-1 defeat further cements Miami’s standing as last place in the NL East.
Pitching Battle
The Nationals elected to give former Cy Young winner Max Scherzer his 11th start of the season. The 2019 World Series Champion struck out seven and gave up just one run in six innings pitched. The 36-year-old Scherzer continues to build on his impressive ERA of 2.19. Relief pitcher Brad Hand closed the game off, striking out one while giving up no hits.
2019 All-Star Sandy Alcantara took the mound for his 10th start of the year on Sunday afternoon. While his 4-6 record certainly won’t raise any eyebrows, the right-hander currently holds the highest average fastball velocity in the MLB. Alcantara gave up a total of five runs, stemming from two 6th inning home runs and six total hits. Besides Alcantara’s struggle, Miami’s relief pitchers were nearly perfect for the final four innings of the contest. Between pitchers Adam Cimber, Ross Detwiler, John Curtiss, and Zach Pop, the Marlins allowed no hits and just one walk.
Plate Production
The Nationals welcomed base-hits from every infielder except 3rd baseman Starlin Castro, who went 0-for-4 throughout the afternoon. First baseman Josh Bell and shortstop Trae Turner belted a pair of homecruns within minutes of each other in the 6th inning. Washington also gained a run on an RBI from second baseman Josh Harrison, who collected a pair of singles in four plate appearances.
Although Miami tallied just one run throughout nine innings, the scoreboard fails to tell the full story. The Marlins totaled six hits, with just three starters failing to reach base throughout the game. However, the Marlins were an abysmal 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position. Miami’s lone run came from an RBI double from 1st baseman Jesus Aguilar in the first inning.
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