Nationals at Marlins
The Washington Nationals were staring at what appeared to be a sure thing, leading by six runs with ace Matt Scherzer on the mound. That is, until Scherzer exited with neck spasms and the Nationals frittered away the lead, allowing the host Miami Marlins to rally for the victory and have a chance for a series win in Wednesday's rubber match.
Scherzer came out of the game for what was termed precautionary reasons, forcing Washington's bullpen to pitch seven innings with A.J. Cole set to make his first start since May. Howie Kendrick hit a two-run homer as part of a 5-for-5 night for the Nationals, who were blanked after scoring six runs in the second inning. Miami left fielder Marcell Ozuna had three htis and belted his second three-run homer in three games to rally his team to a 7-6 victory. The dramatic win came after learning that Opening Day starter Edinson Volquez, who threw a no-hitter in June, is facing Tommy John surgery.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington), FSN Florida (Miami)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH A.J. Cole (1-0, 1.50 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Vance Worley (0-2, 6.42)
Cole will be making his second start in the majors this season and first since May 6, when he allowed one run and six hits over six innings in a victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. The 25-year-old's numbers at Triple-A Syracuse were unimpressive -- he made 16 starts and posted a 4-4 record with a 5.66 ERA. Cole made two starts in September against Miami, allowing six runs and 10 hits in seven innings.
Worley returned to the rotation to make his first start in seven weeks versus Cincinnati on Friday and gave up three runs -- all in the first inning -- on four hits over four innings. It was the fifth start of the year for Worley and the longest was a five-inning stint against the Los Angeles Angels on May 27. He has made 10 appearances (four starts) against Washington, going 4-2 with a 3.29 ERA.
WALK-OFFS
1. Marlins SS JT Riddle has a torn labrum in his shoulder and will undergo season-ending surgery on Aug. 11.
2. Nationals CF Brian Goodwin is 5-for-15 during a four-game hitting streak.
3. Marlins RHP Brad Ziegler converted his first save opportunity of the year following the trade of closer AJ Ramos.