Huge fourth inning does Marlins in against Washington

Sanday Alcantara got rocked for five runs in the fourth inning and the Marlins bats that looked alive the previous night could not muster a run in 5-0 loss on Saturday.

After six straight wins and the belief the Miami Marlins might be turning the corner, the team suffered its second loss in a row, this time 5-0 to the Washington Nationals on Saturday. The loss, a byproduct of a 5-run fourth inning, was not what the team had hoped from starter Sandy Alcantara.

Alcantara had arguably the best outing of any Marlins pitcher in three seasons his previous start but showed inconsistency again that led to the team’s loss.

"“Any remaining evidence of the Marlins’ recent six-game winning streak disappeared as Miami managed just four hits off Washington starter Patrick Corbin, who went the distance,” Harvey Valentine of MLB.com wrote.More from Marlins NewsMiami Marlins news: Another target goneWhy didn’t the Miami Marlins sign JDM?Miami Marlins rejected Boston‘s trade offerMiami Marlins are pursuing Michael ConfortoMiami Marlins need to spend to win“The Marlins grounded into three double plays and didn’t get a runner to second base until Harold Ramirez doubled leading off the eighth inning.”"

The Marlins are still one of the worst baseball teams in MLB but showed signs of life the past week with improved hitting and the ability to score runs. Manager Don Mattingly and the coaching staff saw a pitching staff that looked consistent, much like the front office hoped for before the beginning of the season.

Last night was part of the issues the team has – a lack of consistency at the plate and a pitcher in Alcantara who looks the part of a dominant ace at times and a youngster who has control issues at others. As Mattingly told the media after the game, aside from the one inning he was pleased with the performance of his starter, minus the one inning that was Miami’s undoing.

"“Today was one of those days. We just didn’t get anything really going where you felt like you had some kind of sustainable momentum,” Mattingly said."

Down on the farm – Isan Diaz is on fire! The second baseman, and Marlins No. 6 prospect, is swinging a solid bat. Per MLB.com, Diaz was 3 for 4 with a home run, a double, three runs scored and a walk on Saturday night.

Diaz could be called up at some point this season, most likely after the MLB Trade Deadline.

"As Mike Rosenbaum of MLB.com wrote, “That’s now four straight games with a home run for Diaz after he went deep in his first at-bat en route to a three-hit performance. The 22-year-old second baseman has improved his slash line from .220/.318/.356 to .271/.371/.488 over his last 11 games, a stretch in which he’s hit five of his nine home runs.”"

The Marlins have veteran Starlin Castro currently at second base, however his contract might not be part of the team’s plans for 2020. The 29-year-old is scheduled to make $16 million next season. The Marlins are currently paying him $11 million this year.