Washington Nationals at Miami Marlins Series Preview (4/18-4/21)

Apr 11, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) hits a two run home run to left center during the second inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) hits a two run home run to left center during the second inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
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Apr 11, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) hits a two run home run to left center during the second inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) hits a two run home run to left center during the second inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Nationals travel down to Florida to begin a four game series against the Miami Marlins

While Sunday’s afternoon series finale was not what Washington Nationals fans wanted with Jonathan Papelbon blowing the save in the bottom of the tenth against the Phillies, the Nats still took two of three against the Philadelphia Phillies to improve their record to 9-2.

The story of the weekend was Bryce Harper as the reigning NL MVP homered in all three games in the series. He has now hit a home run in four straight games and in six straight games at Citizens Bank Park. Harper will look to keep his home run success up tonight when the Nats begin a four game series against the Miami Marlins (3-7) at Marlins Park.

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In their first series of the season, the Nationals and Marlins split the two games they played at Nats Park with the third game being postponed due to inclement weather. It was an interesting week for Don Mattingly’s team. They took two of three from the Mets at Citi Field. But, they were swept by the Braves at home (who began that series 0-9).

The problem for the Marlins is that they have not gotten much length from their starting pitching. Through ten games, Miami’s starting rotation has thrown 49.1 innings, which is the lowest of any team in the National League.

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While their offense has the fourth highest batting average in the NL (.274), they only have six home runs, which is the second lowest in the NL (Braves have the lowest with three). Two of them have come from Giancarlo Stanton (.205, two home runs, eight RBI’s).

Before this series begins tonight, here is my breakdown of the four pitching matchups:

Next: Tonight's Matchup

Schedule