The Skinny: The Nationals lost for the 8th time in 10 games today when they fell to the Marlins 6-1. Once again the offense struggled to put much of anything together and the pitching couldn’t keep the Marlins at bay to make the game close. The Nationals are 5-14 and still own the worst record in baseball.
The Pitching: Odalis Perez started for the Nationals today and was very sharp. Perez threw six innings and allowed 1 run, (zero earned) and struck out seven Marlins. Perez now has an ERA of 3.32 and has been very good this April. The bullpen blew the game today. A day after struggling, Saul Rivera was shelled today as he gave up four runs in the 8th inning that put the game out of reach.
The Hitting: Once again, not a lot to speak of. The Marlins pitching held the Nationals to only five hits and one run. The one run came on an Austin Kearns solo home run. Wily Mo Pena went 0-3 as his batting average fell to .115. Pena is struggling to get his stroke back after being injured for the opening of the season. They need him to start clubbing some home runs and driving their base runners in.
What’s Next?: The Nationals are now heading to Atlanta for a brief two game series with the Braves. Matt Chico will start for the Nats. Chico has a respectable ERA (4.81) but is still searching for his first win of the season as he is 0-3 for the season. Tim Hudson will start for the Braves. Tomorrow’s game starts at 7:00pm.