In the last of a four-game series between the Washington Nationals (23-14) and the Miami Marlins (19-17) at Nationals Park, Joe Ross (3-2, 2.29 ERA) and Jose Fernandez (4-2, 3.54 ERA) get the ball. The Marlins won the last game 7-1, and Washington leads the series 2-1. The game gets underway at 1:35 p.m. ET on Sunday, May. 15 and will air on MAS2 and FSFL.
In his most recent outing, Ross pitched 6.0 innings, allowing five runs, striking out four and walking two in a 5-4 loss to the Tigers. Daniel Murphy (.403, 22 Rs, 5 HRs, 23 RBIs, 1 SB) continued his strong season yesterday, going 2 for 4. The Marlins were victorious the last time Fernandez pitched. He had a good outing, pitching 7.0 innings, allowing zero runs, striking out 11 and walking four in a 4-1 victory over the Brewers. Derek Dietrich (.312, 8 Rs, 2 HRs, 14 RBIs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with one run and one RBI.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. Against teams in the NL East, the Nationals have a SU record of 7-11. The most recent 10-game stretch for the Nationals has gone great. Over that span, Washington is averaging 0.0 runs per game, well over their season average of 0.0. Turning to the pitching and defensive side, the Washington pitching staff and defense has been very good, only giving up 0.0 runs per game. The Nationals are third in the league in WHIP at 1.151.
Against divisional foes, the Marlins are 13-8 SU. During the last 10 games, they averaged 0.0 runs per game, above their 0.0 season average. The last 10 games have really brought the best out of the Miami pitchers. They’ve allowed 0.0 runs per game during that span, which is lower than their season average of 0.0.
The Nationals have gotten the best of the Marlins in head-to-head matchups this season, going 5-4.
Predictions: SU Winner – WAS
Notes
Miami has won 40% (6-9) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Washington has won 62% (10-6) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Marlins managed to give up six walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Nationals who are heading in with a 2-4 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Nationals are 18-3. The Marlins have a 15-2 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 18th, Miami sits in the bottom half of the league in runs, scoring 149 this season. Washington ranks in the top half at 13th with 160.
Ranking 17th, Miami is in the bottom half of the league in walks, notching 108 this season. Washington ranks in the top five with 140.
When the Nationals hit at least one home run, they are 18-7, well-matched with the Marlins who are 15-8 when hitting one or more homers.
