The Miami Marlins moved into last place in the National League East on Sunday with a 4-1 loss to the Washington Nationals. The loss also put Miami at eleven games under .500 for the first time this season. Jose Reyes extended his hitting streak to 24 games, the longest in MLB this season and the fourth longest in Marlins’ history.
Ricky Nolasco fell to 8-11 on the season by allowing four runs on eight hits in six innings of work. Nolasco struck out four but also walked four showing a rare lack of command. Chad Gaudin and Steve Cishek pitched in relief for the last two scoreless innings. Cishek who is currently the Marlins’ closer needed some work heading into an off-day on Monday.
The Miami offense was only able to tally six hits but three of them went for extra bases. Scott Cousins (4), Carlos Lee (19), and Greg Dobbs (5) each doubled with the lone run batted in coming courtesy of Dobbs. As a team, Miami was 1-7 with runners in scoring position, something that has been their downfall for virtually all of 2012.
The Marlins are off on Monday before opening a series against the Mets on Tuesday. The scheduled starters are Jonathon Niese for New York and Wade LeBlanc for Miami.
About Larry Walansky
