Game 108: Nationals 4, Marlins 1

Well Mr. Rizzo, that’s what you’ll be missing in the playoffs.

The Nationals closed out their home series with Miami with a 4-1 win yesterday, maintaining their three-

game lead over the Atlanta Braves.

Stephen Strasburg took the mound for the Nationals, and did a little bit of everything. Strasburg threw six shutout innings, issuing just three hits and one walk while striking out six, but also got it done with the bat. Stephen’s two-RBI single to deep right in the second inning gave the Nationals an early 2-0 lead that would be enough for the victory.

Strasburg’s clutch hit was part of a four-run second inning that would see two more RBIs from Adam LaRoche, scoring Bryce Harper and Ryan Zimmerman.

With Tyler Clippard getting the night off, Drew Storen came in for his first save-opportunity of the season after coming off the disabled list last month. Storen proved that he’s still just as effective as before his injury, nabbing the save and securing the 4-1 victory.

Champ of the Game: Strasburg got it done in every which way yesterday, blanking the Marlins and giving himself the necessary runs to collect his twelfth victory of the season. When your teammates are asking if they can keep your bat after you’re shut down, you know you’re doing everything right.

Gregg Dobbs went 2-4 with the Marlins’ only RBI in yesterday’s loss.

Chump of the Game: Though it’s hard to knock anyone’s performance form yesterday’s victory, Michael Morse went just 1-4, hitting into a double-play and stranding multiple runners early in the ballgame.

Ricky Nolasco gave up four runs and eight hits in just six innings for the Marlins yesterday; not good enough if he expects a W.

Unsung Hero: LaRoche’s two RBIs were easily overlooked after Strasburg did the same from the nine-hole. The runs gave Strasburg room to play with on the mound and insured the Curly W.

Next Game: Tonight on the road against Miami, 8:05 PM. Jackson (6-7, 3.57) v Keuchel (1-4, 5.77).