Strasburg’s Struggles Set the Tone in Nationals 11-2 Loss to Marlins
By Pablo Roa
Apr 15, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher
Stephen Strasburg(left) talks with catcher
Sandy Leon(right) on the pitchers mound during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Just one day after tormenting Marlins pitching with nine runs on 16 hits, the Nationals got a taste of their own medicine, falling to the Marlins 11-2. Stephen Strasburg got the start for the Nationals and as has been the case several times already this season, the right-hander kept leaving pitches up in the zone, and paid a heavy price for it.
Giancarlo Stanton got the party started for the Marlins, hitting a three run homer in the bottom of the first inning. Unfortunately for Strasburg and the Nationals, the Marlins ofense was just getting started. Miami scored three more runs in the bottom of the second inning on RBI singles by Marcell Ozuna and Casey McGehee, giving the Fish a 6-0 lead.
Strasburg’s night was over after giving up six runs on eight hits while striking out five and walking three in just four innings.
The Nationals weren’t able to do much of anything with the bat against Marlins starter Tom Koehler, who allowed just one hit over seven innings of work. It also was not the best day for the Nationals bullpen as right-hander Craig Stammen gave up five runs on six hits in the bottom of the fifth inning.
Washington scored its first run in the top of the eighth inning when Bryce Harper scored on an error after Steven Souza Jr. recorded his first Major League hit. Zach Walters checked in with his first Major League home run in the top of the ninth inning, making it an 11-2 game. But that was all the Nationals’ offense could do against Marlins pitchers and the Marlins took game 2 of the series with ease.
With today’s loss the Nationals’ record falls to 8-6 and the team finally has a loss against a team not named the Atlanta Braves. They’ll be back at it in Miami tomorrow night when right-hander Tanner Roark will take on Marlins superstar Jose Fernandez as the Nationals go for a series win.