The Washington Nationals are currently facing a challenging 9-game losing streak, despite strong performances from their starting pitchers. The team’s struggles at the plate have been significant, managing only 35 runs across the last 14 games, which averages out to just 2.5 runs per game. This low offensive output puts immense pressure on the pitching staff, requiring them to limit opponents to no more than 2 runs to have a chance to win.
In light of these challenges, the Nationals will turn to Michael Soroka in today’s matchup against the confident Colorado Rockies. Manager Dave Martinez commented on his team’s recent struggles yet expressed optimism about the younger players: “I’m excited about the way the kids played… Those guys are going to be all right.”
The team’s defensive statistics reveal several issues contributing to their current plight. Luis Garcia Jr. has struggled defensively with an OAA of -7.0, as the middle infield pairing of Garcia and CJ Abrams leads the league with a combined -14.0 OAA, marking them as the worst duo in that category. Other defensive concerns include Nathaniel Lowe at first base, positioned below the league average with a mere 64% success rate.
On the pitching front, the Nationals’ starters hold an overall ERA of 4.42, ranking 24th in Major League Baseball, while the bullpen struggles with a concerning 5.71 ERA, second-worst in the league. The top starter, MacKenzie Gore, stands out with a 2.89 ERA, signaling that while starting pitching has potential, the team needs a unified effort to break out of their slump.
As the Nationals prepare to face the Miami Marlins, they will be hoping to capitalize on any opportunity to turn their season around. Fans and players alike look for a renewed sense of determination, as overcoming adversity may ultimately strengthen their resolve as a team.
Today’s game details include the first pitch scheduled for 6:45 PM EDT at Nationals Park, with coverage available on MASN and local radio stations.