Postgame Grades: Marlins vs Nationals (4/8/14)

Apr 6, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond (20) is congratulated by hitting coach Rick Schu (39) after the game against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park. The Nationals won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Nationals 5, Miami Marlins 0,

Recap (link coming soon) | Box Score

Henderson Alvarez, SP: C

Alvarez pitched a solid first five innings, giving up just one run on three hits. However, the wheels fell off in the bottom of the sixth inning. Alvarez threw two wild pitches, allowed three hits, and walked a batter. This was all while the Marlins defense fell apart. Alvarez induced just seven groundball outs compared to 6 flyballs. This is not a recipe for future success.

Giancarlo Stanton, RF: C

1-for-4, SO

Stanton had one of the Marlins four hits on the night. He lined a 3-1 offering into left field for a single in his second at bat. That would be the only damage Stanton would do for the game. For the first time this season, Stanton failed to drive in a run for the Marlins.

Jeff Baker, 2B: F

Baker started in place of Derek Dietrich, as the Marlins faced another tough lefty. Redmond’s decision to start Baker against the lefty backfired, as Baker went hitless again, dropping his season average to .176. Baker also dropped a crucial throw from Jarrod Saltalamacchia that led to the 2nd and 3rd runs for the Nats.

Mike Dunn, RHP: F

Dunn is off to a rough start to the season, as he allowed at least one run for the second time in three outings in 2014. Dunn’s ERA rose to 10.12 for the season after the rough outing. The Marlins need a more productive Dunn going forward, or their bullpen situation could turn into a mess.

Marlins: D-

The team collected just four hits and played sloppy defense. The team has just two runs on nine hits in the past two games. After a hot start, the Marlins bats have come back down to earth.