MLB Scores: Marlins 1, Nationals 4

Apparently, the fourth time is the charm for Nationals pitcher Tanner Roark. After being roughed up by the Marlins three times this season, Roark finally got the best of Miami in his fourth try. The Marlins and the Nationals met for the fifth time this season at Marlins Park.

Roark came into this game having been 0-3 against Miami, with an 8.40 ERA. The Nationals went right to work in the second inning. Ryan Zimmerman homered to left, which put Washington up 1-0. Later in the inning, Wilson Ramos doubled to left, which scored Anthony Rendon. This gave the Nationals the 2-0 lead.

The very next pitch, Michael Taylor homered to left, which scored Ramos, and this gave the Nationals the decisive 4-0 lead. In the bottom of the fourth, Marcell Ozuna continued his torrid stretch with a solo home run to left. This cut the lead to 4-1, but it didn’t make a difference. 4-1 would be the final score, as the Nationals defeated the Marlins in game one of this three game series.

Despite the loss, the Marlins outhit the Nationals, 9-8. Roark would end up pitching 6 2/3 innings, he struck out seven, and he allowed six hits. Justin Nicolino started for the Marlins. Nicolino pitched 5.1 innings, he allowed four runs and he struck out two batters.

Ozuna hit his eighth home run of the season, as he continues his hot streak in May. Giancarlo Stanton continued his slump tonight. He went 0-4 with three strikeouts, as he has gone 4-32 in his last eight games.

Stanton is now batting just .214 on the season. These two teams will meet again tomorrow at Marlins Park, with Jose Fernandez on the mound for Miami, and Joe Ross on the hill for Washington.

Source: FanGraphs

Player of the Game: Tanner Roark (+0.23)

Goat of the Game: Justin Nicolino (-0.23)

Play of the Game: Michael Taylor homers to left, Wilson Ramos scores