Washington Nationals thrash Miami Marlins 7-4 at Nationals Park - MLB Update
The starter John Lannan throws six innings as he helps the Washington Nationals beat Miami Marlins 7-4 at Nationals Park, Washington, D.C. on August 3, 2012 in the first game of the four match series.
The Nationals’ hegemony continues in the National League East Division. Whatever team they are facing is getting undone by the solid arms and the rejuvenated offence that the Nationals possess.
On Friday, the Nationals began the proceedings on a high, adding three runs in the first inning. While the Marlins posted one run in the top of the first, their score was run down by Washington with a couple of high scoring innings that they went through
later.
By the time the Nationals rallied for three runs in the fourth, their lead strengthened. The Marlins needed a late-innings upsurge from their hitters to blow it. Although they did show resistance during the penultimate innings, it was not enough.
Lannan threw six innings and gave up three runs. With regard to blocking the Marlins from enjoying a run-rampage in one or two innings, he was fairly successful but he was unable to control the walks. He allowed five walks on Friday.
Offensively, Washington’s first baseman Adam LaRoche stepped up. He struck three hits in four at-bats and contributed three RBIs.
Similarly, the outfielder Jayson Werth went 1-for-2.
As far as the Marlins were concerned, their starter Brad Hand was poor on the mound. He was scratched after little more than three innings, because the pace with which he was leaking runs could have taken the Nationals’ lead to an unassailable level. Hand
allowed seven runs and walked six times.
In this regard, the Marlins’ manager Ozzie Guillen spoke later in the game. He emphasised the need to hit the right spot in the strike zone for Hand as opposed to stepping on the mound and losing control.
"He was a little wild and got behind on the hitters," Guillen said. "If you are going to pitch in the big leagues you have to throw strikes."
As it was the first game of the series, the Marlins will be trying hard to bounce back.
In order to achieve this, a better start from the starting hurler will be expected by them in the upcoming games.
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