Marlins @ Nationals: Game Preview (8/5)

Marlins vs Nationals

1:35 PM Nationals Park

MASN-2

Story Lines:

• Nationals look to take 3 of 4 from the Marlins, and hold onto their lead over the Braves in the NL East.
• Strasburg looks to rebound today, after he was roughed up last start against the Phillies.

Pitching Match Up:

• Ricky Nolasco
• 8-10 with a 4.90 ERA.
• Has given up 4 or more runs in each of his last 4 starts.
• Went 5.1 innings his last start against Washington surrendering 4 runs on 6 hits.

• Stephen Strasburg
• 11-5 with a 3.12 ERA.
• Only lasted 4 innings his last start where he surrendered 6 runs on 8 hits.
• His last start against Miami was 6 innings of shutout ball.

Who to Watch:

• Jose Reyes
• It starts and ends right now with Reyes.  Went 3-4 with 4 runs scored yesterday.
• Also had 2 stolen bases against Nats pitching.
• Is hitting .571 during this series.

• Kurt Suzuki
• Went 0-3 leaving 3 men stranded on the bases last night in his debut.
• Prior to yesterday, he had a 5 game hitting streak going.
• With a large crowd expected, look for him to make a big splash today.

Keys to the Game:

1. Keep Stras Calm.  Don't let him get rattled, and don't let him press because of what happened last game.  Interested to see how him and Suzuki work together.
2. Get Reyes Out.  Do not let him get on the base path.  Bad things happen.
3. Patience.  Nolasco has given up runs his last few starts, the opportunities will come to score.