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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 /
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Apr 18, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jose Fernandez (16) throws during the sixth 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) throws during the sixth inning of a game against the Washington Nationals at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Nats Miss Chances Against Fernandez

Coming into this game, the Nationals were looking to try to have some success against Jose Fernandez. Before last night, Fernandez had a sub one ERA in six starts against Washington. That trend continued last night, but Fernandez did give the Nats some opportunities.

In six innings of work, the Marlins’ ace gave up one run on three hits and struck out nine batters on 103 pitches, but only 64 of those pitches were for strikes and he walked four batters, hit Jayson Werth, and threw two wild pitches.

Even though the Nats got a run in the fifth on Bryce Harper’s sacrifice fly to right, the one inning that stands out about last night was the second inning. It was shocking to see Fernandez intentionally walk Danny Espinosa with Werth on second and two outs because he had the cushion of a 3-0 lead.

Roark almost made him pay when he hit a ball hard to left field, but it went foul. But, he ended up drawing a walk to load the bases. In an inning where the Nats could’ve used a run to get some of the momentum back, Fernandez struck out Michael Taylor swinging to end the inning.

If there was other at-bat that stood out in this game, it would be in the top of the first inning when Rendon went around on a 3-2 pitch in the dirt that would’ve two runners on base for Harper right out of the gate. In the end, the Nats offense missed out on a night where Fernandez was good, but had some issues with his command.

Next: Taylor Productive, But Not Clutch

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