Reaction: Washington Nationals Offense Struggles Against Jose Fernandez
By Ricky Keeler
Once again, the Washington Nationals offense was unable to get anything going against Jose Fernandez last night in a loss to the Marlins.
For the first time this season, albeit a short one, the Washington Nationals will enter tonight’s game on a losing streak after last night’s 6-1 loss to the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. They faced a familiar nemesis in Jose Fernandez, who has a great track record against the Nats.
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Washington had their chances early on against Fernandez, but they could not get the big hit against the best pitcher they have seen so far this season. Plus, just like in his first game against the Marlins, Tanner Roark put the team in a 3-0 hole to start, but the offense could not dig out of the hole.
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As far as the positives go, Daniel Murphy’s strong season continued as his hitting streak was extended to ten games with a leadoff single in the sixth against Fernandez. His batting average dropped to .415, but he still has the best batting average in the big leagues.
Murphy was also involved in the Nats’ only challenge of the night when he hit a ball to left field in the second. Washington challenged that the ball was foul, but the call stood on the field, which left Dusty Baker without a challenge for the rest of the game.
Before Stephen Strasburg takes on Adam Conley tonight (7:05 p.m ET, MASN2), here are my three takeaways from last night’s 6-1 loss, which dropped the Nationals to 9-3 on the season.
Next: Roark Has Rough Time With Marlins