Washington @ Florida preview
Sun Life Stadium
Last Meeting ( May 1, 2010 ) Washington 1, Florida 7
Florida stopped one losing streak in Saturday’s victory over the Washington. The Marlins will try to end another in today’s finale of the three-game series with the Nationals.
Entering the weekend, Florida had lost its previous three series. But the Marlins split stopped a three-game losing streak with Saturday's win, and a victory today will give them the win in this three-game series.
The Marlins have to feel good about their chances behind Josh Johnson, who is growing into one of the game’s dominant young pitchers
Johnson is coming off a spectacular effort last Monday in a 10-1 rout of the Padres. He threw a three-hitter and struck out 12 in his fourth career complete game. He also had three hits to help his cause.
Johnson comes into this start with a 5-0 career record against Washington in 11 games.
He’ll try to follow up Chris Volstad’s complete game in Saturday’s 7-1 victory. Volstad scattered four hits and struck out eight and Jorge Cantu and Hanley Ramirez each belted two-run homers in the win.
But Florida will have to take on Washington’s John Lannan, the team’s No. 1 starter, who’s been pitching better recently although he’s still struggling with his control.
Lannan held the Chicago Cubs to three runs in Washington’s 4-3 loss to Chicago in his last start, but control remained a problem as he walked five and struck out just one in six innings.
He’s walked 15 and struck out just 10 in 27 2/3 innings this season, an unusual number for a pitcher who averaged three walks per nine innings a year ago.
But the Washington bullpen has been spectacular of late and is a big reason for the team’s good start.
Manager Jim Riggleman biggest problem is making sure not to overuse his relievers. He said Saturday he would hesitate to use Tyler Clippard and closer Matt Capps.
However, neither pitcher appeared in Saturday’s game and will likely be available in today’s game.
Pitching has been the key for the Nationals this season, but the offense keeps coming through at the right times.
Washington got a spark this weekend with the return of Ryan Zimmerman from hamstring problems. He had two of the team’s four hits during Saturday’s loss and belted two homers in Friday’s victory.
The two teams will see each other again next weekend when Florida visits Washington for another three-game series starting on Friday night.