Miami Marlins @ Washington Nationals Tuesday, August 27th 7:05PM EST (Game 129)

The Miami Marlins hit the road Tuesday to kick off a 3 game series in Washington to face the Nationals.  The Marlins are coming off of a disappointing home stand which saw them drop 7 of 10 games.

The Marlins will look to Nathan Eovaldi to right the ship.  Eovaldi has been inconsistent this season in amassing a 2-4 record in 12 starts with a 3.82 ERA.  He has struck out 49 hitters in 70.2 innings while walking 29.  While Eovaldi has not won a decision since July 12th, he has been the victim of poor run support during that time.  With the exception of a disastrous outing August 16th in which he allowed 9 runs in 3 innings, he has not allowed more than 2 ER in his last 6 starts.  His FIP sits at a healthy 3.80 and Eovaldi is long due some run support from his fellow Marlin teammates.

The Washington Nationals will counter with Ross Ohlendorf.  Ohlendorf is making his second appearance since returning from the disabled list with right shoulder inflammation.  His first outing was not successful as he gave up 4 runs in 4.1 innings.  On the year, Ohlendorf has 2-0 record with 3 starts and has also made 8 appearances out of the bullpen.  He has an ERA of 2.58, much lower then his FIP of 3.63.  Ohlendorf’s success this year can be traced to his lowered walk rate of 2.58, almost half of what it was last year as a Padre.

The Nationals have won 4 of their last 5 series, yet still find themselves 13 games behind Atlanta in the East, and 8 games back of a wildcard spot.  If the Nationals are going to continue to climb back into the playoff race, they must take care of the Marlins at home.

Bold Prediction: I believe that Eovaldi will finally get some run support tonight as the Marlins hit Ohlendorf hard.  The Marlins will score 5 runs in the first 5 innings on route to a 8-2 win.  Eovaldi gives up 1 ER in 7 innings and strikes out 8.  Jayson Werth is unable to get a hit and Giancarlo Stanton hits another moon shot, this one of the 2 run variety.  Marlins Win!