WAS 7, MIA 3; Poteet pounded by Schwarber, Nats

The Miami Marlins offense continue to struggle as they drop the series opener versus the Washington Nationals. Miami had a total of seven hits in the game in their 7-3 loss to the Nationals.

Marlins starting pitcher Cody Poteet really struggled as he had his worst outing in his young MLB career. Poteet threw three innings allowing six hits, five runs, four walks and six strikeouts. Four of the five runs given up came off the bat of Kyle Schwarber as he blasted two home runs in his first two at-bats.

According to Baseball Savant, the spin rate on each of Poteet’s pitches was below his 2021 season average and dramatically lower than it had been in his previous start on June 18. Perhaps it’s more than a coincidence that Major League Baseball began inspecting all pitchers for foreign substances this week.

Poteet would relieved by submarine right-handed pitcher Adam Cimber. The submarine pitcher was excellent in his two innings of work improving his ERA to a 2.94. Cimber pitched two innings allowing no hits, no runs, no walks and two strikeouts.

Cimber was replaced by left-handed pitcher Ross Detwiler in the top of the sixth, who was also excellent. He pitched one perfect inning and struck out the side. Next up was Zach Pop. He threw two innings allowing one hit, two runs (one earned), three walks and two strikeouts. Pop was relieved in the top of the ninth by right-handed pitcher Dylan Floro. The Marlins setup man pitched a perfect ninth inning while striking out Juan Soto and Yan Gomes.

The Marlins offense continues to be missing after their two great games last weekend against the Chicago Cubs. The Fish have lost four straight and have scored all of their runs via the long ball.

Marlins leadoff hitter Jazz Chisholm Jr. had a big night as he went 2-for-4 including a three-run home run; Chisholm entered the contest 3-for-his-last-30 with zero extra-base hits. Outfield prospect Jesús Sánchez was productive at the plate as well. He went 2-for-3 with two singles and also drew his first walk of the season.

Luis Marte also picked up his first hit of his MLB career in the bottom of the eighth. Marte hit a sharp grounder back at the pitch that deflected off of Justin Miller’s cleats and bounced all the way to Trea Turner but there was no throw to first. Adam Duvall and Miguel Rojas each had a hit in the loss.

What’s next?

The Miami Marlins will look to turn their luck around on Friday as they’ll host the Washington Nationals again. The Fish will have right-handed pitcher Pablo López on the mound for that game. Lopez is coming off a tremendous start versus the Chicago Cubs in his last outing. Lopez pitched seven shutout innings allowing only one hit and struck out seven.

The Washington Nationals will have left-handed pitcher Jon Lester on the mound against the Marlins on Friday night. Lester has been real solid for Washington this season as he has posted a 1-2 record in ten starts. He also has a 3.96 ERA and 1.44 WHIP in 50 innings pitched. First pitch is at 7:10 pm EST.

Baseball Savant

Fish Picks Answer Key

1. Marlins
2. Under
3. Under
4. No
5. Nationals