Washington Nationals fall to Miami Marlins 3-5 as Edwin Jackson leaks runs - MLB Update
The starter Edwin Jackson allows a two run homer in the third as the Washington Nationals are beaten 3-5 by the Miami Marlins in the last game of the four match series at Marlins Park, Miami on July 16, 2012.
It was one of the few games that witnessed the Nationals giving up runs at the start.
While their starter remained scoreless in the first two innings, he struggled to keep the momentum in the third. Furthermore, he failed to protect the two run lead by the Nationals as in one inning he leaked four runs.
For the same reason, Jackson was not allowed to throw more than five innings.
Manager Davey Johnson introduced relievers, expecting that they throw scoreless innings. Though the relief pitchers were relatively better, it proved too little too late attempt as the defeat had been made almost unavoidable after the starter gave up runs.
"I couldn't get into a rhythm -- balls wide, balls up, balls down," Jackson said. "When I did throw strikes, it was pretty much across the middle and they were able to hit them."
Meanwhile, the Marlins’ offence was charged up by their third-baseman Hanley Ramirez. Striking one hit in three at-bats, he slammed a two run homer, which actually turned the outcome of the game in their favour.
Ramirez's outing on the plate on Monday will be great for his confidence. Unable to find his feet and not connecting properly in the last month, he needed such performance in order to come back to a top-notch form.
"I think I have been hitting balls hard just right to people," Ramirez said. "It's nothing I can control. At the end of the day, it's that 'W.' It's why we are here."
Similarly, Marlins’ manager Ozzie Guillen can take positives from the game, going into the next series. With hitters and relievers stepping up and delivering improved performance, he can be hopeful of their consistency in the games to come.
Meanwhile, Nationals’ manager will make sure that the players take the match as an exception and are going to continue repeating the performances that they have maintained throughout the season.
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