District On Deck
FanSided

Reaction: Washington Nationals Offense Struggles Against Jose Fernandez

By Ricky Keeler

Apr 18, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jose Fernandez (16) delivers a pitch during the third inning of a game against the Washington Nationals at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jose Fernandez (16) delivers a pitch during the third inning of a game against the Washington Nationals at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Apr 18, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Tanner Roark (57) throws a pitch during the first inning of a game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Tanner Roark (57) throws a pitch during the first inning of a game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Roark Has Rough Time With Marlins

After a strong outing in his last start against the Braves, Tanner Roark once again had his difficulties figuring out the Marlins’ lineup. In six innings, the right-hander gave up five runs (four earned runs) on seven hits, struck out two, and walked two on 88 pitches (54 strikes).

Out of the gate, it didn’t look like Roark was going to last long in this game, but he was still able to give the Nationals six innings and at least save the bullpen to a degree. Plus, he did throw 16 first pitch strikes to the 27 batters he faced.

With that being said, it was the two outs hits that cost him again. In the bottom of the first, Roark had a chance to get out of it by giving up only one run, but Marcell Ozuna delivered a clutch two-out single to put Miami up 3-0. The other two out hit came via a home run by Giancarlo Stanton in the bottom of the fifth to deep right center. In addition, his balk in the first inning loomed large as the Nats had to play in with Dee Gordon at third because Fernandez was on the mound.

The 29-year-old right-hander has now given up eight runs in ten innings against the Marlins this season. While Miami has a good lineup, that is still something to be concerned about. Plus, if it weren’t for some great plays by Bryce Harper and Anthony Rendon in the bottom of the third inning, that 4-0 deficit could easily have been a lot worse.

Next: Nats Miss Chances Against Fernandez

Home/Nationals News