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Washington Nationals Offense Takes Advantage Of Marlins Miscues

By Ricky Keeler

Apr 5, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Miami Marlins shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria (3) is unable to catch the pop up by Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper as left fielder Marcell Ozuna (13) looks on during the fourth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Miami Marlins shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria (3) is unable to catch the pop up by Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper as left fielder Marcell Ozuna (13) looks on during the fourth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Due to mistakes in the field by the Miami Marlins, the Washington Nationals had a big fourth inning to put away the win last night

Despite the Miami Marlins taking a 2-0 lead over the Washington Nationals in each of the last two games, the Nats have managed to take both games. Despite a rough start by Tanner Roark, the right-hander finished six strong innings in the win. But, the story of the game was in the bottom of the fourth inning.

Coming into that inning, Marlins starter Dan Straily had thrown 36 pitches and the only mistake he made was a Ryan Zimmerman home run in the second. Then, the bad defense happened.

After an Adam Eaton walk, Bryce Harper popped up a foul ball to left that should’ve been an out, but since the Marlins played the shift, no one can get to it. Harper would eventually double in the tying run later in the at-bat.

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Harper would end up benefiting from a miscue on the next batter when Daniel Murphy hit a base hit to center and Christian Yelich not getting to the ball quick enough allowed another run to score and Murphy going to second.

Later in the inning, Matt Wieters hit a groundball that could’ve been a double play, but it got past Adeiny Hechavarria and into left center for a two RBI base hit. After that hit, the Washington Nationals had a 5-2 lead and Straily was out of the game. He would throw 31 pitches in the fourth inning.

It shouldn’t come as no surprise that the Nats would struggle against Straily early. Last season, with the Reds, he gave up five runs in 14 innings vs. Washington with Nats hitters having a mere .091 average. But, part of being a good to great offense is finding a way to take advantage of mistakes, which the Nats hitters did.

While this isn’t technically a mistake by Don Mattingly and the Marlins coaching staff, the lack of having a left-hander in the bullpen has hurt Miami the first two games. Without the lefty, Dusty Baker can put Adam Eaton in the number two spot and stack the lefties in the order. So far, it’s paid dividends.

In the first two games, the 2-3-4 trio of Eaton, Harper, and Murphy are a combined 9-for-20 at the plate with five RBI’s and four walks. Harper and Murphy each have driven in a run in the first two games and Eaton is showing his good plate discipline with the three walks that he has.

If the Marlins don’t find a way to fix those problems of not having a left-handed reliever or a second right-handed bat in the eighth inning like last night, it could be a long year in their matchups with the Washington Nationals.

For a full recap of last night’s 6-4 win, check out our video postgame show from last night, which was recorded by fellow co-editor Ron Juckett. He has more on Roark’s good start and Matt Wieters going 3-for-3 at the plate:

Later today, the Washington Nationals will go for the sweep of the Miami Marlins when Gio Gonzalez takes on Tom Koehler in the series finale. You can watch the game on MASN and MLB Network at 4:05 p.m ET.

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The Washington Nationals have already had success winning the first series of the season, but a sweep of the first series of the season could give them a lot of confidence.

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