The Skinny: The Washington Nationals fell to the Florida Marlins today, 5-4. The win for the Marlins gave them a sweep and left the Nationals looking for answers. After a recent hot streak, the Nationals are now 15-23 on the season and in last place in the NL East.
The Pitching: Shawn Hill started for the Nationals and threw a very good ball game. Hill got through seven innings and gave up only two runs. Sadly, Hill’s effort got him a no-decision. Luis Ayala came on in relief and provided none for Washington. Ayala got hit with the loss after he went one inning and gave up three runs and let the Marlins come from behind and get the win. Ayala gave up two home runs.
The Hitting: Aaron Boone led the Washington with three hits as he ended up a double short of hitting for the cycle. Aside from Boone, the rest of the Nationals line up went 4-26 on the game and really struggled to get much of anything going offensively. Ronnie Belliard hit a two run homer in the third inning to put the Nats up 3-1 early against Scott Olsen of the Marlins.
What’s Next?: The Nationals will head to New York City to take on the New York Mets. The four game series will start tomorrow night at Shea Stadium with Odalis Perez starting for Washington. Game time is 7:10pm.