Miami Marlins Morning Catch: Marlins look to split series with Nationals

Good morning, Marlin Maniac readers and welcome to Morning Catch, the daily morning news and notes column from MarlinManiac.com about your Miami Marlins.

The Miami Marlins dropped yesterday’s contest against Washington 5-2 at Nationals Park. Bryce Harper knocked his 41st homer of the season, further increasing his chances at the NL MVP.

However, the Marlins still hold a chance to salvage this series, with an opportunity to split with the Nats today. The Fish haven’t dropped a series since August 28th-31st against these same Nats.

Miami will have to go up against Stephen Strasburg, who is 9-7 on the season with a 3.98 ERA. The Marlins will put Justin Nicolino on the hill for the finale.

Nicolino pitched a quality start in his last outing, firing six innings of three run ball. But the young lefty has allowed eight earned runs in his last two outings. He is 3-3 on the year with a 2.98 ERA.

If the Marlins win today’s game, the Fish will have won 13 of their last 19 games.

ICYMI:

Stat Wrap: Nationals 5, Marlins 4

Jarred Cosart making strides

From Around the Web:

No BP for Stanton as Jennings gives team break — Jacob Emert, MLB.com

WASHINGTON — After Friday night’s extra-inning loss to the Nationals, manager Dan Jennings eased back on the Marlins’ pregame work Saturday, which included canceling batting practice. As a result, Giancarlo Stanton did not hit on the field, which he was scheduled to do for the first time since Monday.

Jennings said Stanton would take swings in the batting cage under Nationals Park. The All-Star right fielder has been out since June 26 and underwent surgery two days later to remove the broken bone in his hand.

When asked about it before the Marlins’ 5-2 loss to the Nationals, Stanton said that his hand is “not ready yet.” There is no timetable for his return. The absolute earliest he could be back is next Tuesday in Miami, Jennings said, but given Stanton’s current status, that’s not likely. (Read More Here)

Brad Hand struggles with walks, Marlins fall to Bryce Harper, Nationals — AP

WASHINGTON (AP) — Miami Marlins left-hander Brad Hand was cruising along entering the fifth inning against the Washington Nationals.

He’d given up no runs, and only two singles and two walks until then, protecting Miami’s narrow lead.

And then it all fell apart for him.

Hand served up a homer to Tyler Moore, a tying sacrifice fly to Bryce Harper, and walked four batters, including one free pass that forced in the go-ahead run, setting up Miami’s 5-2 loss to Washington on Saturday.

“I just kind of lost the feel for my fastball,” Hand said. “Couldn’t throw it for strikes.” (Read More Here)

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