PREMIUM
Stephen Nover's Game of the Week
(MLB) Washington vs. Miami,
Money Line: -108.00 Washington (Away)
Result: Loss
Money Line: -108.00 Washington (Away)
Result: Loss
The Nationals have won 12 of their last 15 road games, but are coming off a loss to Jacob deGrom yesterday. Look for the Nationals to bounce back against the Marlins today and a much weaker pitcher, southpaw Justin Nicolino.
Washington ranks among the top four in many of the major offensive categories, including runs, batting average and homers. Nicolino is more pitcher than thrower heavily relying on location to have any chance of success. He figures to be rusty having not pitched since May 30 because of a bruised index finger on his pitching hand.
Even at his best, Nicolino is a bottom-of-the-rotation type starter. The Marlins are 1-11 the past 12 times Nicolino has gone against an opponent with a winning record. His career record at Marlins Park is 2-6 and he is 0-3 with an 8.10 ERA in four games, including three starts, versus the Nationals lifetime. Washington is 7-4 against lefty starters this season.
I much prefer Washington starter Tanner Roark, who is a legitimate No. 3 type starter. Roark draws a Marlins lineup still missing the starting left side of their infield with Martin Prado and Adeiny Hechavarria out.
The Nationals' lone weakness is a vulnerable bullpen that has lacked a consistent closer. That may change with the emergence of Enny Romero, who hasn't allowed a run in his last 10 appearances spanning 12 innings.
The Marlins are having problems with their bullpen, too. They blew leads of four runs and two runs during the weekend against the Braves. The Nationals are a much more dangerous hitting club than Atlanta.
Washington ranks among the top four in many of the major offensive categories, including runs, batting average and homers. Nicolino is more pitcher than thrower heavily relying on location to have any chance of success. He figures to be rusty having not pitched since May 30 because of a bruised index finger on his pitching hand.
Even at his best, Nicolino is a bottom-of-the-rotation type starter. The Marlins are 1-11 the past 12 times Nicolino has gone against an opponent with a winning record. His career record at Marlins Park is 2-6 and he is 0-3 with an 8.10 ERA in four games, including three starts, versus the Nationals lifetime. Washington is 7-4 against lefty starters this season.
I much prefer Washington starter Tanner Roark, who is a legitimate No. 3 type starter. Roark draws a Marlins lineup still missing the starting left side of their infield with Martin Prado and Adeiny Hechavarria out.
The Nationals' lone weakness is a vulnerable bullpen that has lacked a consistent closer. That may change with the emergence of Enny Romero, who hasn't allowed a run in his last 10 appearances spanning 12 innings.
The Marlins are having problems with their bullpen, too. They blew leads of four runs and two runs during the weekend against the Braves. The Nationals are a much more dangerous hitting club than Atlanta.
