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While it may be too little too late for their playoff hopes, at least we know now that the Washington Nationals are capable of some offense, even if it is against the lowly Miami Marlins.
After losing Game 1 of the series in a bad way, the Nationals recovered to win the final two games and take the series win in Miami. They defeated the Marlins 6-4 on Sunday, behind an 11-hit effort as a team.
Wilson Ramos got the party started in the second inning when he belted a solo shot to deep center. Those of you who are familiar with the outfield in Miami, you know that that is an impressive feat. Ramos finished 3-5 with two RBI and two runs scored. Ryan Zimmerman also got in on the home run fun, as his only hit of the day was a home run. Ian Desmond also finished 3-5 and fell just a home run shy of the cycle.
The Nationals needed all that offense to backup a shaky Stephen Strasburg. Strasburg loaded the bases and then balked home a run in the second inning. Later that inning, with a man on second and third, the Nationals pitcher balked home a second run. His offense saved him the next inning, as they gave him the lead back for good. Strasburg went six innings giving up four hits and four runs, all earned.
In left field, the Nationals were missing Bryce Harper offensively. While Harper was in D.C. getting tests done on his injured hip, Tyler Moore and Corey Brown combined to go o-5 with four strike outs. Defensively, it’s difficult for any outfielder to get many putouts, since the outfield in Miami is so big, so Brown and Moore made the most of it. On offense, however, even an injured Harper did better than a healthy Brown and Moore.
While picking up the series win for the Nationals is great, it’s merely a moral victory. While they find themselves ahead of the Arizona Diamondbacks, they are still 7.5 games back of the Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates. While I’m not going to count them out yet, they’ve got a tough row to hoe if they want to make the postseason. They still have to play the Atlanta Braves, St. Louis Cardinals and Diamondbacks.
Next up for the Nationals, they’ll head north to take on the New York Mets in New York. A poor showing in the big apple, something that has historically happened, and the postseason will become a distant dream that was once had by the D.C. franchise.
Brian Skinnell is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, Like him on Facebook and add him to your network on Google.
