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Marlins 2, Nationals 1; Realmuto drowns out trade rumors with walk-off hit

Trevor Richards and the pitching staff steadied the team after a couple lopsided losses.

By Dylan Goldman Updated
Washington Nationals v Miami Marlins Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images

Even though the Marlins have struggled mightily against the Nationals recently, that wasn’t on the mind of rookie pitcher Trevor Richards Saturday night. Fueled by a strong start from Richards, the Marlins defeated the Nationals 2-1 in walk-off fashion.

With the bases loaded, and Washington deploying a five-man infield, All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto delivered with a single to right, bringing home Magneuris Sierra to secure the win. That was only the Marlins’ second win in their last 18 meetings with the Nats.

  • Trevor Richards: 6.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 8 K (91 pitches)
  • Gio González: 7.0 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 4 BB, 4 K (114 pitches)

Richards was phenomenal tonight. He has an ERA of 0.48 in his past three starts, and has lowered his ERA to 4.06 for the season, which is a big deal by 2018 Marlins standards.

While Richards had to settle with a no-decision, Brett Graves earned his first major league win with a stellar 1-2-3 10th inning. In fact, the quartet of Adam Conley, Brad Ziegler, Drew Steckenrider and Graves combined to hold the Nats hitless.

However, Kyle Barraclough suffered another blown save. Daniel Murphy delivered the game-tying RBI single in the 9th. That represented Barraclough’s third blown save this month. One wonders how much this poorly timed regression has affected his value on the trade market with the non-waiver deadline fast approaching on Tuesday afternoon.

In the 10th, Sierra got it started as he showed off his elite speed on a bunt. Then Miguel Rojas reached first because of obstruction and Brian Anderson loaded the bases with a bloop single to right. Finally, Realmuto sent everyone home with an RBI single.

Miami (45-61) will look to split the series with Washington on Sunday afternoon. Jeremy Hellickson will pitch for Washington, while José Ureña will start for Miami.

July 28, 2018 win probability chart
Courtesy of FanGraphs

Attendance: 11,779

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

7/29/18 Probable Starters

Name Team IP ERA FIP K/9 fWAR
Name Team IP ERA FIP K/9 fWAR
Jeremy Hellickson Nationals 68.0 3.44 3.96 6.88 1.0
Jose Urena Marlins 112.2 4.63 3.94 7.43 1.4
FanGraphs

Today's Lineups

NATIONALS MARLINS
Trea Turner - SS Miguel Rojas - 3B
Bryce Harper - RF Brian Anderson - RF
Ryan Zimmerman - 1B J.T. Realmuto - 1B
Juan Soto - LF Starlin Castro - 2B
Daniel Murphy - 2B Cameron Maybin - CF
Mark Reynolds - 3B Yadiel Rivera - LF
Michael Taylor - CF JT Riddle - SS
Matt Wieters - C Bryan Holaday - C
Gio Gonzalez - LHP Trevor Richards - RHP

Matchup Summary

Two words for Friday’s night game: Max Scherzer.

More detailed breakdown from Jesse here, if you’d like...

Trevor Richards has quietly made a legitimate case for being the best pitcher in the Marlins rotation. Not as consistent as Dan Straily, but more dominant when his changeup is on. Richards’ 3.84 FIP ranks first among Miami starters this season.

First pitch approximately 7:10pm.

Thread Question: If the Marlins decided they had to move J.T. Realmuto at Tuesday’s trade deadline, are the Nats the best fit?

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