Stephen Strasburg (5-0, 2.76 ERA) and the Washington Nationals (22-13) meet Justin Nicolino (2-0, 2.79 ERA) and the Miami Marlins (18-16) in the second of a four-game division series at Nationals Park. The Nationals won the last game 5-3, and Washington leads the series 1-0. The game gets underway at 1:05 p.m. ET on Saturday, May. 14 and will air on MASN and FSFL.
In his most recent outing, Strasburg pitched 7.0 innings, allowing four runs, striking out 11 and walking three in a 5-4 victory over the Tigers. Bryce Harper (.278, 23 Rs, 11 HRs, 29 RBIs, 5 SBs) continued his strong season yesterday, going 2 for 2 with one run, one home run, and two RBIs. The Marlins were unsuccessful against the Phillies 6-5 the last time Nicolino pitched. He went 6.0 innings, allowing three runs (one unearned), striking out one and walking one. Giancarlo Stanton (.250, 19 Rs, 10 HRs, 24 RBIs) has been hitting the ball well for the Marlins, going 2 for 4 yesterday with one run.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. The Nationals have a SU record of 6-10 against teams in their division. Over their past 10 games, Washington’s offense has been playing lights out, averaging 0.0 runs per game, well over their season average of 0.0. Turning to the pitching and defensive side, teams routinely struggle to score runs against the Nationals, who allow only 0.0 runs per game. The Nationals don’t allow many hitters to get on base, ranking third in the league with a 1.128 WHIP.
Against fellow NL East members, the Marlins are 12-7 SU. During the last 10 games, they averaged 0.0 runs per game, above their 0.0 season average. Miami’s pitching staff has allowed an average of 0.0 runs per game during the last 10 games, lower than their season average of 0.0.
The Nationals have mostly come out on top against the Marlins in their previous seven games this season, earning a 4-3 record.
Predictions: SU Winner – WAS
Notes
For the first time this season, the Nationals registered at least two errors.
The Nationals are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Marlins have a 7-10 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they are outhit, the Nationals are 3-9. The Marlins have a 4-11 record when opponents outhit them.
Miami ranks near the bottom of the league at 22nd when it comes to home runs, hitting 32 this season. Washington ranks in the top 10 with 45.
Ranking 17th, Washington is in the bottom half of the league in hits, notching 8.29 per game. Miami ranks in the top 10 at sixth with 9.44.
Ranking 12th, Washington is in the top half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.739). Miami ranks in the top 10 at ninth with an OPS of .756.
When the Marlins allow at least one home run, they are 8-6, well-matched with the Nationals who are 11-10 when allowing at least one homer.
