Nationals unable to take advantage of early chance (Marlins win 3-0)

Marlins right-hander Henderson Alvarez appeared to be having trouble controlling his pitches early on tonight against the Nationals.

But the Nationals were unable to score a run with men on base in the first and second frames.

Alvarez pitched around a walk to Denard Span in the first thanks to a double play ball.

In the second inning, the Nationals loaded the bases with no one out. Wilson Ramos walked. Bryce Harper singled and Ian Desmond walked.

But Danny Espinosa struck out swinging. Nate McLouth laced a line drive right to third baseman Casey McGehee, who almost doubled up Ramos off of third base. Stephen Strasburg grounded out to second base to end the threat.

Heading to the bottom of the second, no score at Marlins Park.

Update: Bryce Harper has a pair of hits for the Nationals, but the Nationals have not been able to score through four frames.

Strasburg has allowed only one hit, a Jordany Valdespin first-inning double, but no runs. He has three strikeouts and two walks through four innings.

No score through four innings.

Update II: We're scoreless no more. In the bottom of the sixth, Strasburg hung a curveball to Giancarlo Stanton, who slammed a double into the left field corner. The hit scored Valdespin, who had singled to lead off the inning. Stanton was thrown out at third, trying to stretch it into a triple, but the Marlins grabbed a 1-0 lead.

Update III: Strasburg finished seven innings, allowing one run on four hits, with two walks and four strikeouts. He threw 108 pitches, 66 for strikes. Strasburg did not get close to his average of 10 strikeouts per nine innings, but he only gave up one run. Alvarez just was able to keep the Nationals baffled offensively. But also the effect of not having Ryan Zimmerman and Jayson Werth in the lineup at the same time didn't help.

Update IV: Jerry Blevins allowed a crucial insurance run in the eighth. Christian Yelich smacked a run-scoring double off the top of the center field wall and Marlins led 2-0.

Aaron Barrett gave up an RBI single to Stanton and Miami was up 3-0.

The Nationals tried to rally in the top of the ninth against Marlins closer Steve Cishek. Desmond singled and Espinosa was hit by a pitch.

But Nate McLouth struck out and pinch-hitter Jayson Werth flew out to right. Denard Span singled to right to load the bases with two outs, but Rendon struck out to end the game.

Suddenly, the Nationals have lost three of their last four games.

Marlins 3, Nationals 0.