Washington Nationals: Pitching must carry the load while offense scuffles

The Washington Nationals’ offense has struggled mightily throughout the first couple weeks of 2018. Until it returns to form, the pitching staff must carry the load.

Despite winning the first four games of the year, the Washington Nationals now sit at 6-8. They have dropped eight of their last 10 games and look like a team searching for a spark.

Pitching has always been the backbone of the team, which is the case once again this year. Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez, and Tanner Roark have combined for a 2.17 ERA in 12 total starts.

Although the bullpen got off to a rocky start, they have begun to settle in as well. Brandon Kintzler and Sammy Solis, two relievers that have been roughed up a bit, turned in 2.1 scoreless innings of work in Friday night’s loss.

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Even Shawn Kelley, Matt Grace, and Trevor Gott have impressed. Aside from A.J. Cole, who looked much better in his most recent start, the Nats’ pitching staff has put the team in a position to win every game.

The offense, on the other hand, is another story.

Through the first 14 games, the Nats offense has the third-worst batting average in the National League, ahead of the Padres and Phillies. Even Bryce Harper, who got off to an incredible start, is struggling.

Harper is 2-for-17 in his last five games, including going hitless in his last seven at-bats. In just five days, his batting average has dropped nearly 100 points.

Trea Turner, Michael Taylor, and Ryan Zimmerman are all batting below .210. Matt Wieters has one hit in his first 10 at-bats. It is too early to judge him, but he has looked lost at the plate early.

Unfortunately, the Nats’ offensive struggles have been exaggerated even further with runners in scoring position. Despite leading the National League in at-bats with runners in scoring position, their .210 average ranks fourth-worst.

The Nats’ scuffling offense was on full display in Friday’s 2-1 loss to Rockies.

Roark pitched brilliantly, allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits in six innings. Despite his solid outing, he was dealt a tough-luck loss. The Nats notched just four hits, including one by Roark. Incredibly enough, Roark also scored the team’s only run.

Through the first two games of the Rockies series, the Nats have scored two runs on eight hits. That would be a decent game, but it is an abysmal performance for two games.

There is a glimmer of hope, though, as the offense is not at full-strength. Adam Eaton and Daniel Murphy are both on the disabled list. When healthy, they are both integral members of the Nats’ offense.

If the impact that Eaton and Murphy make was not already obvious, it is undeniable now.

Until the offense returns to form, the Nats must rely on strong pitching. In their last two wins, Scherzer and Strasburg combined to pitch 17 scoreless innings. It is unfair to expect the pitching staff to produce shutouts every night, but they must be nearly-perfect with the way the offense is going right now.

The Nats have one of the best lineups in the league, led by Kevin Long, one of the best hitting coaches in the league. As the season continues and injured players return, the offense will produce like everyone knows it can.

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Until then, the Nats’ pitching staff must carry the load.