Washington Nationals: 5 storylines for last Marlins series
By Ron Juckett
MARLINS LAST GASP
If the Marlins are to pull a miracle of a lifetime, they must sweep Washington this week.
For practical purposes, the Nats offensive barrage in DC last week ended any real chance Miami had of catching them. Adding to their frustration came a terrible weekend at home versus the Phillies. From an outside shot at a Wild Card spot, the Marlins postseason chances are on life support.
But, until they are officially eliminated there is hope.
You know about the monster year from Giancarlo Stanton, but Christian Yelich and Marcell Ozuna had major success last week against Nats pitching. Adam Conley and Vance Worley will start against Washington, giving Miami a fighter’s chance.
The Marlins have no margin left for error. Any combination of 12 Nats wins or Miami losses end the division race. To add to their problems, they fell three games further back of Milwaukee because Washington played poorly. Although the Colorado Rockies lost again Sunday, the Marlins are five back and must pass the Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals.
It is one game at a time the rest of the way. Unless Miami regains their form this week, their 2017 season ends with an uncertain future under new ownership next year.