Washington Nationals: 5 storylines for last Marlins series
By Ron Juckett
Onward and upward as the Washington Nationals travel to Miami for the last time this season. What should you watch for? Here are five storylines.
This was a forgettable weekend for the Washington Nationals.
On their lone visit to Miller Park to face the Milwaukee Brewers, the Nats bats fell silent, Max Scherzer took a comebacker off his calf and Washington dropped three of four to the surging Brew Crew. Now, the road trip concludes with a holiday visit to Miami to face the Marlins.
Things for Miami did not improve after they left DC. Against the Philadelphia Phillies, the Fish dropped three of four and remain 15 games behind the Nats in the dying days of the 2017 National League East pennant chase. If the Marlins hold out any hope, this is their last chance.
For Washington, they still have seven games before their next day off. A weekend of tired baseball gave the Nats no respite. The grind goes on, but their magic number to clinch the NL East is 12. A successful series at Marlins Park can see that number drop to six.
With a 10-game homestand to follow, the Nats will likely win the division at home either against the Phillies next weekend or the Atlanta Braves after a day off. Despite the last four games, this remains an exciting time for Washington and the team.
Before the champagne bath at home, the Nats and Marlins tango for the last time in 2017. With expanded rosters and South Florida moving on to the Dolphins and Hurricanes of football, here are five storylines to follow.
As you know, there are plenty of good seats available.