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

By Ricky Keeler

Apr 5, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) connects for a two run homer during the sixth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) connects for a two run homer during the sixth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 4, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the fifth inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the fifth inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Jarred Cosart vs. Max Scherzer (0-0, 2.57 ERA) – 1:35 p.m, MASN2

Last season, Cosart had some issues with his consistency in his first full year with the Marlins. He was 2-5 with a 4.52 in 14 games (13 starts) with the big league club. He also spent some time in triple-A New Orleans and battled vertigo during the year.

This spring, the 25-year-old right-hander did not give up a run and surrendered only seven hits while striking out nine batters in 9.2 innings. If the Marlins are going to make a playoff push this season, they are going to need some consistency at the back end of the rotation, so maybe Cosart can provide that. Jayson Werth is 6-for-10 against Cosart with a solo home run.

While Max Scherzer did not get the win on Opening Day, he was sharp against the Braves. He went seven innings, gave up two solo home runs on three hits, struck out seven, and walked one in a no-decision. The only real mistake he made in the game was hanging a breaking ball to Adonis Garcia in the fourth inning, which led to a home run.

There aren’t many things to be concerned about surrounding Scherzer, but one thing to keep an eye on is the home runs the Nats’ ace allows. In the second half of last year, the 31-year-old right-hander allowed 17 home runs in his final 15 outings.

Against the Marlins last season, Scherzer was 3-1 with a 2.75 ERA in five outings and had 36 strikeouts in 36 innings. Dee Gordon is 8-for-26 (.308) against Scherzer in his career with a home run and two RBI’s.

Prediction: In Scherzer’s first home start of the 2016 campaign, I am going to take the Nationals to win this game and take two out of three in the series. I do expect these teams to play a close game when you consider the Nats were only 10-9 against Miami a season ago. This game shouldn’t be different, but I expect Scherzer to edge out Cosart in the win.

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