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Nationals' Saturday Night Lineup vs Marlins In Nats Park

The Washington Nationals already postponed the planned pregame ceremonies that were to honor Davey Johnson, but there's no word yet on whether or not they will play tonight's game. Stephen Strasburg takes the mound for the Nats tonight in D.C.

By Patrick Reddington
Greg Fiume

Jayson Werth doubled in the first two runs of a seven-run sixth inning last night. Werth walked to start the seventh inning of Washington's 8-0 win over the Miami Marlins before scoring when shortstop Ian Desmond doubled into the left-center gap to drive the Nats' 34-year-old outfielder in from first and make it an 8-0 game in the nation's capital. Nationals' skipper Davey Johnson pulled Werth after watching the veteran outfielder labor while making his way around the bases on Desmond's two-base hit. "I could tell on the double he hit he was nursing some tired legs," Johnson said, "And then when Desi hit that double, 'If you can just make it home, I'll get you out of there.'"

Corey Brown took over in right field in the top of the eighth. Werth ended the night 1 for 3 with a walk, two RBIs and two run scored. On the year, the Nats' right fielder had a .321/.402/.532 line after last night's game with 23 doubles and 23 HRs in 122 games and 503 plate appearances, over which he's been worth +4.4 fWAR. Davey Johnson was asked if there was any specific issue with Werth. "Nothing," Johnson said. "Nothing I know of."

Werth's name was penciled in for Saturday night's game when the Nationals announced the lineup for the third game of four with the Fish in D.C. Johnson talked last night about continuing to win over the last few months as the Nats have made an improbable run at the second Wild Card spot. "We're still in a pennant race," Johnson said. "The emotion on the ballclub has been great for a couple months. Even when we don't hit there's a lot of energy in the dugout. So, we've got to just keep going. Keep taking it to them."

The Nationals have taken it to the Marlins all year. With last night's win, Washington improved to 13-4 against Miami in 2013. In the nation's capital, the Nats improved to 8-0 against the Marlins with two games left in the season series with their NL East rivals. Weather permitting, they'll play the 18th of 19 games between the two teams tonight in D.C.

• Here's the Nationals' lineup for Saturday night's game:

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