Miami @ Washington preview
Nationals Park
Last Meeting ( Aug 27, 2013 ) Miami 1, Washington 2
At this time last year, Stephen Strasburg was barreling toward his innings limit as the Washington Nationals prepared to shut him down before the playoffs. Now the flame-throwing right-hander is trying to force the Nationals to make another difficult decision about whether to pitch him in the postseason. Strasburg and the Nationals look to continue their uphill climb toward the playoffs when they continue a three-game series with the visiting Miami Marlins on Wednesday.
Washington needed four scoreless innings from its bullpen to hold on for a 2-1 win in Tuesday's series opener, as it continues to suffer from an anemic offense but has still won six of seven and 12 of 17. The Nationals have scored two or fewer runs 56 times, winning only seven of those games. The Marlins have been even more punchless at the plate, scoring three or fewer runs in six straight games and dropping six of their last seven.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Miami), MASN 2 (Washington)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Henderson Alvarez (2-3, 3.86 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Stephen Strasburg (6-9, 3.00)
The Marlins have lost the last four times Alvarez has taken the mound, and he is 0-2 with a 5.76 ERA over that stretch. The 23-year-old from Venezuela was tagged for five runs on seven hits over five innings in a loss to the Dodgers last time out. Alvarez is 0-1 with a 3.95 ERA in two starts against the Nationals, including a no-decision in which he allowed two runs over 6 2/3 innings earlier this year.
Strasburg was one out away from a complete game before a game-tying home run ended his day last time out, as he allowed four runs over 8 2/3 innings in a no-decision against the Cubs. The 25-year-old has only one win since July 7, despite four quality starts over that span. Strasburg is 5-3 with a 3.77 ERA in 11 starts against the Marlins, including a 1-1 mark this year.
WALK-OFFS
1. Washington CF Denard Span is 17-for-43 during a 10-game hitting streak. Span is 3-for-5 with a double against Alvarez.
2. Miami's starting pitchers have allowed three or fewer runs in 50 of the past 62 games, but the Marlins are 28-34 during that period.
3. Nationals LF Bryce Harper, who has six multi-hit games during a nine-game hitting streak, is 3-for-6 with a double and a homer versus Alvarez.
PREDICTION: Nationals 4, Marlins 1