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After taking game one, the Fish have lost the last two and now look to escape Washington with a series split. It was the Bryce Harper show yesterday as the 22 year old hit his 41st homerun in leading the Nats to victory. Toeing the slab at home for Washington is Stephen Strasburg, taking the mound for the Marlins will be the rook Justin Nicolino.
Pitching Matchup
| Record | ERA | FIP | Marlins | Nationals | Record | ERA | FIP |
| 3-3 | 3.81 | 4.86 | Nicolino | Strasburg | 9-7 | 3.98 | 3.12 |
Strasburg is coming off probably his best performance of the season, a 14 strikeout domination of the Phillies this past Tuesday. That being said, the Marlins have had his number this season, as he has gone 0-2 with a 6.92 ERA in three starts. We can but hope the trend continues.
Nicolino performed fairly well in his last start, pitching six innings giving up three runs on six hits, issuing a walk while striking out two. As DJ has pointed out, Justin is "not a power pitcher. He mixes pitches, he locates." Particularly important against a potent line-up such as the Nats possess.
Martin Prado's wrist continues to bother him so he will sit again, Derek Dietrich at the hot corner. Tomas Telis will spell J.T. Realmuto at catcher and bat 8th.
Bold Prediction: Marlins beat the Nationals 6-3.