Nationals @ Marlins: Game Preview

Nationals vs Marlins

1:10 PM Marlins Park

MASN-2

Story Lines:

• After Strasburg's last three starts Gio had to help the team recover from the loss.  Reversed rolls today.
• Not the end.  Remember this is a 4 game series, so these teams will meet tomorrow for the final game.
• Desmond will be out of the lineup tonight, with a possible DL stint in his future.

Pitching Match Up:

• Stephen Strasburg
• 9-4 with a 2.82 ERA.
• Looking to avoid losing 4 games in a row.
• Last time out against Miami he pitched 6 innings of shutout baseball.

• Ricky Nolasco
• 8-6 with a 4.35 ERA.
• Until yesterday, was the only starter on the Marlins with a winning record.
• Has not faced the Nationals this season.

Who to Watch:

• Ryan Zimmerman
• Batting .273 with 3 homeruns lifetime against Nolasco.
• With Desmond out, Zim will have to shoulder even more of the offensive load.
• Is third on the team with 42 RBIs and third in homeruns with 9.

• Logan Morrison
• Batting .250 lifetime against Strasburg in 10 plate appearances.
• With Stanton out, Morrison becomes the second biggest offensive threat on the team.
• Struck out 3 times last night, going 0-4 for the game.

Keys to the Game:

1. Strong Start for Stras.  His confidence might be a bit shaken so a quick strong start will be important.
2. Time to Step Up.  With Desmond out, Zim, LaRoche, and Morse need to pick up the slack.
3. No errors.  It's hard to score runs in Marlins Park, so the defense has to be on its game.