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The Miami Marlins are still owners of a winning record, but they have lost three in a row, including last night's opening game of this three-game series against the division-leading Washington Nationals at Miami Park. As a result of their recent slide, the Marlins are now 4.5 games out of first place, but the good news is that National League Player of the Week Jose Fernandez is pitching tonight.
He'll face Joe Ross, which is a rematch of last Sunday's game. The Marlins won 5-1, and Fernandez struck out eleven in seven innings while Ross allowed three earned runs and seven hits during 5 2/3 innings. Fernandez boasts a 5-0 record and 1.09 ERA in eight career starts against the Nats.
Pitching Match-up
| Team | Starter | ERA | FIP | ZIPS Projected ERA |
| WAS | Joe Ross | 3.81 | 3.88 | 3.62 |
| MIA | Jos Fernandez | 4.61 | 4.59 | 4.52 |
Notes
-Christian Yelich is a late scratch due to back spasms. He's day-to-day. Ichiro will get the start at left field and lead off for the Marlins.
-Dietrich will bat third while Stanton, with a batting average now of .214, remains the clean-up man.
Bold Prediction: Fernandez strikes out eight and the Marlins win 4-1.