Marlins Can’t Hold Three-Run Lead; Drop First Game of Series

A three-run 1st inning wasn’t enough for the Marlins, as they fall in the first game of the series to the Nationals, 10-3.

The Marlins strung together three straight hits off Tommy Milone—who made his first start of 2018—to start the game. J.T. Realmuto got the scoring started with a double to left. Cameron Maybin continued his hot streak, driving in Realmuto to cap off the 1st inning and give the Fish a 3-0 lead. Maybin is in the midst of his best stretch in a long time. Including tonight (2-for-4), he’s hitting .349 over his last 21 games, along with three home runs.

Dan Straily started the game on rocky footing, allowing the first two batters to reach base. Luckily, he was able to settle down and looked to be in control after tossing three scoreless frames. In his last four games entering tonight, he allowed only one home run in 26 IP. However, things unraveled a bit in the 4th, and he ran into the same problems that have plagued him his entire time with the Fish. He allowed a home run to Trea Turner, and another one to Juan Soto. After allowing Ryan Zimmerman to drive in the tying run, Straily was pulled just one out shy of earning his 6th straight quality start. One big plus that Straily can take away is his three strikeouts against Bryce Harper.

Adam Conley, who had a nice string of 7 straight outings without giving up a run, struggled in the 7th inning, allowing three runs. Some of it can be chalked up to a rough inning from Brian Anderson in right field. Anderson, who has been a nice surprise in right field this year, misjudged two fly balls off the wall that possibly could’ve been caught. The second ball caused two runs to score. Bryce Harper then hit another ball into right field to drive home Turner, giving the Nats a 6-3 lead. Turner went 3-for-6 today, including a triple and home run. He continues to swing a hot bat against the Marlins this year, hitting .303/.324/.515 in 7 games.

In total, the Marlins bullpen gave up 7 runs. Perhaps the most glaring stat is the 9 walks (3 intentional) allowed.

If there’s one positive to take away, Marlins’ prospect Magneuris Sierra got his first base hit on an infield single to second base.

Kingfish: Trea Turner (.314 WPA)

Flounder: Adam Conley (-.408 WPA)

Moment of the game: Trea Turner’s triple to break the tie

Please leave any Icthy picks in the comments below. Remember, we introduced a new grand prize for the contest this season!

Matchup Summary

The Miami Marlins begin a four-game weekend series tonight against the Washington Nationals. The Fish were on the wrong end of their last four-game set against the Nats, dropping three out of their four games, including a heartbreaking loss in which they blew a nine-run lead. Despite the Nationals’ subpar performance this year, the Marlins still can’t seem to find success against them, as they come in to this game with a 1-6 record against them.

On the mound for Miami will be Dan Straily. Straily’s ERA is hovering around 4, and has been one of the names brought up as possible trade pieces for the upcoming trade deadline. The long ball has been perhaps his biggest weakness as a Marlin, but has only given up one home run in 26 IP since July 1.

Pitching for Washington will be Tommy Milone. Stephen Strasburg was slated to be the starter today, but was placed on the disabled list (pinched nerve) hours before first pitch. Milone last pitched in the Majors last season with the New York Mets. At AAA Syracuse, he compiled a 4.19 ERA in 109.2 IP.

Game Thread Question: What/who do you think would be a fair return for Straily at the deadline?