Justin Nicolino (2-1, 3.75 ERA) and Tanner Roark (2-3, 3.10 ERA) start in the first of a three-game series between the Miami Marlins (21-19) and the Washington Nationals (25-16) at Marlins Park. Action begins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Friday, May. 20 and can be seen on MASN and FSFL.
Nicolino pitched 4.2 innings in his last outing, surrendering four runs, striking out one and walking five in a 6-4 defeat to the Nationals. Christian Yelich (.322, 24 Rs, 5 HRs, 20 RBIs, 3 SBs) had another good game Wednesday, going 2 for 4 with one run and one RBI. Roark went 5.0 innings, surrendering seven runs, striking out five and walking three in a 7-1 defeat to the Marlins in his most recent start. Daniel Murphy (.397, 24 Rs, 6 HRs, 27 RBIs, 1 SB) has been successful at the plate for the Nationals, going 2 for 4 yesterday with two runs, one home run, and two RBIs.
The odds for Miami and Washington are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently not available. Within its division, Miami has a record of 15-10 SU. The Marlins have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 0.0 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 0.0 runs per game. Miami’s pitching staff has been doing better against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, only allowing an average of 0.0 runs per game, well under their season average of 0.0.
The Nationals are 9-13 against NL East foes. Offensively, the Nationals have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 0.0 runs per game by averaging 0.0 during that stretch. Washington is excellent at drawing walks with 3.9 per game, ranking fifth in the NL. Shifting to the pitching staff and defense, the Nationals allow just 0.0 runs per game, ranking them second in the NL. When it comes to preventing batters from getting on base, the Nationals are one of the best in the league with a WHIP of 1.134 for the season.
Predictions: SU Winner – WAS
Notes
When leading after seven innings, Washington is 11-6, while Miami is 7-9.
The Washington batters brought in a solid 11 hits last game. Miami has a record of 2-7 when their opponents get that many hits or more.
When they are outhit, the Nationals are 3-11. The Marlins have a 4-13 record when opponents outhit them.
Miami ranks near the bottom of the league when it comes to home runs, hitting 37 this season. Washington ranks in the top half at 11th with 48.
Ranking 19th, Washington is in the bottom half of the league in hits, notching 8.17 per game. Miami ranks in the top 10 at sixth with 9.32.
Ranking 17th, Washington is in the bottom half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.728). Miami ranks in the top 10 at eighth with an OPS of .755.
The Nationals are 13-13 when they allow at least one home run. The Marlins perform similarly when they allow one or more homers with a 9-9 record.
