Haren Must Rebound In Game Two Against Marlins
By Andrew Flax
In his first start off the DL, Dan Haren allowed just two runs in five innings against the Phillies, a seemingly decent line. However, he allowed ten baserunners over that time and took the loss. He now has a 6.00 ERA and a 4-10 record. The Nationals have lost his last nine starts, and although the team was reportedly happy with his previous start, it is worth wondering how much longer he has in the rotation with the trade deadline looming. He will have a tough task ahead of him, facing a Marlins offense that is last in baseball in every major offensive category, but tacked seven runs on Stephen Strasburg in two innings yesterday. To add to the difficulty of tonight’s game, the opposing starter will be Miami’s only All-Star, rookie Jose Fernandez(5-5, 2.83). Regardless, the Nats must win tonight to avoid losing a series to baseball’s second worst team right before the All-Star break. Here are tonight’s lineups:
Jul 12, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Bryce Harper (34) runs from first to third on a double by teammate first baseman Adam LaRoche (not pictured) against the Miami Marlins in the first inning at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Washington
Denard Span CF
Ian Desmond SS
Bryce Harper LF
Adam LaRoche 1B
Jayson Werth RF
Haren RHP
Miami
Ed Lucas 3B
Fernandez RHP