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Nationals Reaction: 4-Run 2nd Leads To Win On Werth’s Birthday

By Ricky Keeler

May 20, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Washington Nationals center fielder Michael Taylor (right) celebrates with Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos (left) after Taylor drove in Ramos on a two run home run against the Miami Marlins during the second inning at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
May 20, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Washington Nationals center fielder Michael Taylor (right) celebrates with Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos (left) after Taylor drove in Ramos on a two run home run against the Miami Marlins during the second inning at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Nationals
May 14, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Shawn Kelley (27) pitches against the Miami Marlins in the seventh inning at Nationals Park. The Nationals won 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Kelley Kills Marlins Rally In 8th Inning

After Felipe Rivero got the final two outs of the seventh, he ran into trouble in the eighth when he allowed Yelich to single to begin the inning. With Stanton coming to the plate, Baker turned to Shawn Kelley to try to get out of trouble.

Even though Stanton is one of the best hitters in the league, Kelley was able to get him to miss a slider for a huge strikeout to end the inning. By the way, Stanton is now 0-for-3 with three strikeouts against Kelley in his career. Plus, had three strikeouts in last night’s game against the Washington Nationals’ pitchers as his batting average dropped to .164 this month.

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Then, with Ozuna at the plate, Kelley got him to line out to Murphy, who threw the ball right back to first to double up Yelich and end the inning. Right now, Kelley has been one of the best relievers in the bullpen as he has yet to give up an earned run this season.

Ever since that Opening Day meltdown against the Braves, the 32-year-old right-hander has only walked one batter in his last 18 appearances. That walk came on May 7 against the Cubs.

Next: Ross Looks To Get Back On Track Vs. Marlins

As for the strikeouts, Kelley’s 21 K’s are second on the team behind Rivero (24) and he has held opponents to a.185 batting average while not giving up a home run. While it is early in the season, Kelley is proving to be a good signing when the Washington Nationals gave him that three-year deal this winter.

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