Nationals at Marlins 9/18/20 - Game 1 - MLB Picks & Predictions

Marlins Park will play host to the first game of a Friday NL East doubleheader between the Washington Nationals and the Miami Marlins. The Nationals (18-29) have split their previous ten games and are in last place in the division standings. On Wednesday, rookie Luis Garcia hit a two-run shot in the tenth inning to lift Washington to a 4-2 road victory against Tampa Bay. 

Twenty-seven year old righty Erick Fedde (1-3 5.06 ERA) will head to the hill for the Nationals in this contest. Control has been an issue for Fedde, who has walked 19 batters in 37 plus innings of work.

The Miami Marlins have lost 13 of their 21 home games and hold a one-game lead over Philadelphia for second place. On Thursday, Miami struck out 12 times and left seven men on base during a 5-3 home loss versus Boston. 1B Jesus Aguilar struck out in all four at-bats in a losing effort for the Marlins, who fell to 25-23 overall.

Miami manager Don Mattingly will give the nod to talented righty Sixto Sanchez (3-1 1.69 ERA) on Friday. The Marlins have won Sanchez’s last two starts and he has allowed just one run over his last 13 plus frames.