Marlins 2 - 3 Nationals
Final/10
  for this game

Capital aces: Pitcher's duel on tap in Marlins-Nationals meeting

Apr 21, 2012 - 2:46 PM (Sports Network) - Stephen Strasburg has been dominant this season for the Nationals. Anibal Sanchez has been equally impressive in his career vs. Washington.

The two right-handers oppose each other today when the teams resume their three-game series at Nationals Park.

Strasburg has given up a total of three runs over his first three starts to the season and has pitched at least six innings in all of his appearances. The 23-year-old, who has looked strong after missing most of last year recovering from Tommy John surgery, is coming off a six-inning victory against Houston on Monday.

Over four career starts against the Marlins, Strasburg has posted a 2-1 record with a 2.82 ERA.

Sanchez is 7-0 in 17 career starts against the Nationals and the Marlins are 12-5 in those contests. He has put up a 2.06 ERA and struck out 87 batters, while walking just 46 vs. Washington. The right-hander has thrown more innings against Washington (104 2/3) than any other opponent, but he's given up just five homers lifetime against the Nats.

Sanchez is coming off a no-decision against Houston on Sunday when he allowed five hits and three runs -- two earned -- over six innings.

Last night, Ross Detwiler, Craig Stammen, Tyler Clippard and Henry Rodriguez combined to pitch a shutout, as the Nationals won, 2-0. Detwiler (2-0) gave up just three hits through six innings for the Nationals, who improved to 11-4 on the young season. He struck out seven and walked one.

"[Detwiler] was superb," Nationals manager Davey Johnson said. "He had another inning in him, but ... I didn't want to press my luck."

Stammen, Clippard and Rodriguez combined to allow only one hit and three walks. Rick Ankiel went 3-for-3 with a solo homer and two runs scored.

Carlos Zambrano (0-1) gave up one run on two hits over seven innings to take the hard-luck loss for the Marlins, who had a four-game winning streak snapped. Zambrano fanned six batters.

The Marlins took 11 of 18 from the Nats last season, winning seven of nine in Washington. Miami has won 21 of the last 30 encounters overall.






Related News