Reaction: Lack of Clutch Hitting Ruins Washington Nationals Home Opener

Roark’s Rough First Outing

After a strong spring training, Tanner Roark was looking to carry that momentum into the regular season. Unfortunately, he struggled as he only went four innings, gave up four runs on nine hits, struck out three, and walked three on 99 pitches in yesterday’s loss

While 60 of those 99 pitches went for strikes, he only threw 13 first pitch strikes to the 23 batters that he faced. He didn’t give up any extra-base hits, but could never seem to get the put away pitch when he needed it. According to Brooks Baseball, only 8 of Roark’s 19 sliders went for strikes.

For example, in the top of the third and the pitcher’s spot in the on-deck circle, Roark wasn’t able to get out of the inning because he gave up a two-out RBI single to Adeiny Hechavarria. However, it wasn’t all his fault because a throwing error by Wilson Ramos on a stolen base attempt allowed J.T. Realmuto to go from first to third base.

Another factor in this start was the 90-minute rain delay in between the second and third inning, which could throw off a pitcher’s timing. However, the Nats didn’t get the best starts from Roark or long reliever Yusmeiro Petit, who gave up the RBI single to Phelps in the top of the fifth. In the end, it’s only one start, but the Marlins did a good job of making Roark throw 30 pitches in the first inning, thus shortening his outing.

Next: Strong Outings For Perez And Kelley