Washington Nationals Series Preview: Nationals vs. Marlins (5/4-5/6)

Apr 25, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) throws against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Tuesday: Stephen Strasburg (2-2, 4.60 ERA) vs. Mat Latos (0-3, 6.86 ERA), 7:05 pm EST, broadcast on MASN

Stephen Strasburg has had one really good start this year, his April 19th outing against the Philadelphia Phillies. In that start, he was the Strasburg everyone anticipates seeing–one run allowed in 7.1 nnings, five hits, seven strikeouts. Strasburg did not pitch badly in his last outing against the Mets, but he wasn’t. He gave up two earned runs, but only went 5.1 innings and threw 100 pitches. He scuffled the first two innings before getting in the groove.

Strasburg usually pitches very well against the Marlins. However, he did not shine in his last start against the Fish on April 25th, taking the loss and giving up four earned runs in six innings. Strasburg tends to pitch well at Nationals Park, and being at home may help.

Mat Latos is the scheduled Miami starter, but he did get injured last time out. Latos left his last start on April 29th against the New York Mets with tightness in his hamstring. He will get the start in this one, but it will be interesting to see how long he can go with that hamstring issue.

Latos faced the Nats on April 24th and held the Nationals to two runs in 6.1 innings. He and Jordan Zimmermann went toe to toe, both only allowing two runs. Neither figured in the decision.

Expect this game between Strasburg and Latos to be the same. Both pitchers will probably pitch adequately, neither giving up lots of runs, with the bullpens deciding this one. That is, unless Strasburg has one of those stellar outings of which he is capable, in which case the Nats should be able to win, or Latos can’t pitch at all or can’t go deep because of his injury. This matchup between Strasburg and Latos is a toss up.