The Washington Nationals' lead in the National League East is slowly shrinking as the Miami Marlins have snuck on the team with the potential to sweep them in a three-game home series, The Marlins have one six games in a row and are looking to knock the Nationals back a spot in the rankings as Tanner Roark and Brad Hand start for their respective teams.
Roark's climb to the starting spot has been a slow one. He entered spring training as a potential candidate for the fifth spot and has turned into one of their most reliable pitchers going 10-6 with a 2.82 ERA on the season. After a successful rookie season, Roark has only continued to build his reputation. He has won his last three starts while giving up just one run in seven innings in his last trip to the mound against Cincinnati. He has allowed fewer than three runs in eight of his last 10 outings, keeping him tied for the best on the team alongside Doug Fister.
Hand season has been a bit up and down. He made 12 bullpen appearances, but then landed on the disabled list back in May after injuring his ankle. He has only recently been given a chance to try out as a starting pitcher. Against Washington, the pitcher has struggled, giving up eight runs and 12 hits over six innings. He was handed loses in both games. Since coming off the disabled list, Hand is 2-1 with a 2.43 ERA in five starts and most recently he gave up just three hits over seven innings in the win against the Houston Astros.
The Marlins are on a win streak thanks to some solid offense. They have won nine of their last 10 games, sitting above .500 for the first time since late June. They have pulled within five games of the National League East lead as they would need to beat out the Nationals and the Atlanta Braves to move into contention.
