The Miami Marlins and the Washington Nationals clash in the Game 1 of this three-game set in the nation’s capital Friday night. The Marlins’ overhaul appears to be finally paying dividends and the Washington Nationals seem to be improved. The best MLB betting odds have Nationals (5/6) and Marlins (19/17).
In nine months, the Marlins go for their longest winning streak when they face the surprisingly first-place Nationals in the opener. The Marlins (7-6) changed seemingly everything from their colors to location identity to uniforms to the roster when they moved into their new stadium, which included uncharacteristically lavishing money upon free agent All-Stars Heath Bell, Mark Buehrle and Jose Reyes.
Things appear to be finally falling into place for the usually frugal team, after dropping six of their first nine. Miami has won four in a row while outscoring opponents 24-10 behind a .307 average and five homers. They finished at the bottom of the NL East last season. The club last won five in a row from July 23-28.
On six attempts, Reyes is still trying to find his groove, hitting .226 with two RBIs, 6 runs and 4 stolen bases. However, Hanley Ramirez is picking up the slack with a .550 average, three homers and nine RBIs in the past four games. He moved from shortstop to third to accommodate Reyes.
For the most wins in the NL, the Nationals are tied with the Los Angeles Dodgers and their success may potentially crowd the East race with Philadelphia, Atlanta and the New York Mets. Washington will counter with Ross Detwiler (1-0, 0.90 ERA). In order to win for the second time in three starts, he may be looking for some help from his teammates.
Giving up five runs with just one earned due to two errors by the Nationals in an 8-5 loss in 11 to Cincinnati, the left-hander lasted five innings Sunday. When he fanned six in five scoreless innings of a 6-2 win over the New York Mets on April 10, he was much better in his season debut. Detwiler has thrown four scoreless innings over two relief appearances against them, striking out three and walking three and he is getting his first start against the Marlins.