Washington Nationals vs. Miami Marlins Series Preview (4/7-4/10)

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Mar 24, 2016; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Adam Conley (61) delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins during a spring training game at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Adam Conley vs. Tanner Roark – 4:05 p.m. ET, broadcast on MASN/WUSA9

Conley is a 25-year-old left-hander who had the chance to make his Major League debut last season. He appeared in 15 games (11 starts) and went 4-1 with a 3.76 ERA. This year, he earned one of the spots in the rotation in Spring Training.

Down in the Grapefruit League, Conley was 1-0 with a 1.86 ERA in three starts (9.2 innings). According to Fangraphs, Conley threw three pitches last year. Those three pitches were a fastball (averaged out at 91 miles per hour), a curveball, and a changeup.

Now, Conley did beat the Nationals last season in his only start against them. Back on August 28, he went five innings, gave up three runs on six hits, struck out six, and walked one. In that game, Conley allowed home runs to Wilson Ramos and Ian Desmond.

As for Roark, he will get the honor of starting the home opener as he makes his return to the starting rotation. The 29-year-old had good spring training numbers as he went 2-0 in five games (four starts) with a 2.00 ERA and struck out 17 batters over the course of 18 innings.

While those are only spring training numbers, it is still good to see Roark go into the regular season with some confidence after having to go back-and-forth from the bullpen to the rotation a season ago. While he had a save last year against Miami, he was 0-3 against them with a 5.79 ERA. Martin Prado is 4-for-9 against him with a home run and two RBI’s.

Prediction: It should be a great atmosphere today at Nats Park, but I am going to pick the Marlins to win this game. Miami’s offense is playing well right now and I think the Nats’ unfamiliarity with Conley will play to the Marlins’ advantage.

Next: Saturday's Matchup