Nats Fall to Marlins in 10

Dan Haren‘s starts this season have been rocky affairs.  Hopefully his last start before the All-Star break will set the tone for the second half.  Haren pitched a gem against the Miami Marlins and out dueled Jose Fernandez.  The Nationals bullpen, however, was not able to hold on to the lead, as the Nats fell to the Marlins 2-1 in ten innings.

Jul 13, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Dan Haren (15) throws the ball in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Haren gave up three hits, stuck out seven, and surrendered no runs in six innings of work.

The two sides remained scoreless until the top of the fourth.  Bryce Harper ran over Marlins catcher Jeff Mathis on Jayson Werth‘s sacrifice fly.  It would be the only offensive support the Nats lineup could muster.  Harper would later be ejected in the eighth for arguing balls and strikes.

Drew Storen and Tyler Clippard were able to hold the Marlins in the seventh and eighth innings.  Usually reliable Nats closer, Rafael Soriano, was taken deep by Giancarlo Stanton in the ninth to tie game.

In the tenth, Craig Stammen got into a jam by walking two batters.  This set up a walk off fielders choice on an Ed Lucas grounder to give the Marlins the win.

The Nats will look to pick up a win before the All-Star break.  The probable starter for the Nats tomorrow is Taylor Jordan, who is projected to face Henderson Alvarez for the Marlins.