Washington Nationals lose to Miami Marlins 3-5 as Chien-Ming Wang leaks runs – MLB Update
Starter Chien-Ming Wang records his first loss of the season as the Washington Nationals fall to the Miami Marlins 3-5 in third game of the three match series at Marlins Park, Miami, FL on May 30, 2012.
Wang was scratched after four innings. Being handed the job in the season at a demotion of another starter with the Nationals namely Ross Detwiler means he has a point to prove. He is going to invite serious criticism, if he is unable to vindicate his existence
in the rotation, through performance on the mound.
Interestingly, Detwiler also appeared in the game, but this time as reliever. He threw two perfect innings, giving an impression that he may have blocked runs, had he given the job at the start.
Centre-fielder Bryce Harper was clueless on plate. He missed four at-bats. Similarly, third-baseman Ryan Zimmerman is not becoming the kind of force the Nationals want him to be. Ever since he has recovered from shoulder inflammation, hits are few and far
between from his bat.
Second baseman Danny Espinosa is gradually reaching his prime. After being sent down in the line-up, the Nationals’ manager Davey Johnson hoped that he will take new position as a chance to work out his swings and composure.
As he connected two hits in four at-bats on Wednesday, one can believe that strategy of the manager is working.
Humiliating series sweep for the Nationals makes their top position on National League East Division table appear tainted. What can add to their worries is the fact that it came against the club, which has struggled for most part of the season.
The way the Marlins have taken the Nationals’ powerful arms to big hits in the series, their confidence is sky-high. This can lead to a new beginning. One that can spell dominance they dreamed of before start of the season.
Massacre of the Marlins’ right-fielder Giancarlo Stanton continues. Recording his 13th home-run in the game, he wreaked the bulk of the damage to the Nationals. Adding two RBIs while going 2-for-3, he lifts his slugging percentage to an enviable
.597 level.
May panned out as a dream month for the Marlins. Not only long-winning streaks came about and improved their position on the table as a result, hitters who earlier experienced a slump had rebounded greatly.
Continuation of the momentum will be critical to their success in the games to unfold.
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