Washington Nationals at Miami Marlins series primer
The Miami Marlins' recent road trip could've taken a dark turn amidst managerial rumors, but the ballclub salvaged it by closing with a two-game winning streak.
Although the Marlins took two of three series, they still find themselves tied for last in the National League East as they try to dig out of an early hole.
Miami (5-11) hosts the Washington Nationals (7-9), the preseason favorites, over the weekend to open a nine-game homestand. The Nationals have lost two in a row.
Righty Jordan Zimmermann, who tossed a no-hitter against the Marlins on Closing Day, has dropped his past two starts, giving up a combined 11 runs (nine earned). Righty Mat Latos seeks his first win as a Marlin. Though he has lost all three starts, he has improved over the past two. In New York, he allowed two runs with five strikeouts in five frames.
After three perfect innings against the Mets, righty Tom Koehler quickly surrendered seven runs as he exited in a loss. Right-hander Stephen Strasburg pitched a gem against the Phillies, permitting just one run on five hits over 7 1/3 frames with seven strikeouts and two walks.
Closing out the series will be local Gio Gonzalez, who has won five in a row against Miami since April 3, 2013. The lefty scattered eight hits and walked four batters in a scoreless outing against the Cardinals. Veteran Dan Haren fell victim to a pair of two-run homers in Philadelphia, but he has been the rotation's most consistent starter. All seven of his runs allowed have come on homers in 2015.
Last season, the Nationals won 13 of 19, including seven of 10 at Marlins Park, in the head-to-head series.
Here's a look at the upcoming Nationals-Marlins three-game series:
SCHEDULE AND PROBABLE PITCHERS
WHO'S HOT
SS Ian Desmond (Nationals): Washington doesn't have a batter on a torrid streak, but Desmond does boast a nine-game hitting stretch. He has a .421 average during it, but in the three-game series with the Cardinals went 3 for 12 with two runs, two doubles and five strikeouts.
SS Adeiny Hechavarria (Marlins): Hechavarria, who began the 10-game trip with just one hit and a .045 average, went 4 for 4 with three RBI on Thursday. By going 18 for 39 on the road, he bumped his average to .311 thanks to six multi-hit games. Hechavarria also made stellar plays at shortstop.
WHO'S NOT
2B Danny Espinosa (Nationals): Since opening the season with hits in five of the first six games, Espinosa is 1 for 13 with a double, a run, no RBI, two walks and three strikeouts. He hasn't driven in a run in five games.
1B Michael Morse (Marlins): Morse doesn't have an RBI or extra basehit in four games. His last multi-hit game came on April 14 -- a span of nine games. Morse has struck out 16 times with just five walks through 16 games.
STORYLINES
3: Washington relievers (Matt Grace, Rafael Martin and Felipe Rivero) have made their big-league debuts over the past 10 days with Craig Stammen and Casey Janssen on the disabled list
3.28: ERA for righty Jordan Zimmermann in six starts against the Marlins in 2014, including a no-hitter on Closing Day
24: Hits for Dee Gordon, tied for most in the majors as of Thursday night
22: Homers for Giancarlo Stanton against the Nationals in 65 games (270 plate appearances), most for him against any opponent
QUOTE BOARD
"Today was a great day, and now we need to focus on tomorrow. We got some big hits and took advantage of situations. Lot of good at-bats, and it's nice to win a series." -- Manager Mike Redmond, to reporters in Philadelphia, on closing out the trip
"It looked like he hit it with a two-iron." -- Right-hander David Phelps on Giancarlo Stanton's two-run homer on Thursday
"We've had a couple of rough weeks. Guys have realized that we have been swimming against the current. Right now we're just trying to go with the flow and not do too much or be the hero. Right now we're just trying to play our part." -- Martin Prado on righting the ship
PROMOTIONS & GIVEAWAYS
April 24 -- Mardi Gras Night; Happy Hour at Marlins Park; Coors Light Cold Zone; Public Autograph Session; Friday Night Lights; Fireworks Friday
April 25 -- Fellowship Day; Jackie Robinson Day; Beerfest; Public Autograph Session
April 26 -- Christian Yelich Replica Gold Glove Trophy presented by Pepsi (first 10,000 fans); Sunday Funday; Autism Awareness Day; Little Big League; Selfie Sunday; Sunday Brunch at the Clevelander; Diamond Dash
LOOKING AHEAD
The Marlins continue their homestand by hosting the Mets, who swept them in a four-game series in New York.
You can follow Christina De Nicola on Twitter @CDeNicola13 or email her at cdenicola13@gmail.com.
