Miami Marlins vs Washington Nationals Box Score on Aug 30, 2017

The Sports Xchange
Aug 30, 2017

WASHINGTON -- Stephen Strasburg pitched his second career shutout and had two hits, including his third career home run, and Wilmer Difo (2-for-4) also homered as the Washington Nationals defeated the Miami Marlins 4-0 Wednesday.

The Marlins entered the day 5 1/2 games back of the Colorado Rockies for the second wild-card spot in the National League. The first-place Nationals (81-51) have won four in a row while the Marlins (66-66) were outscored 23-5 in the three-game sweep by Washington.

Strasburg (11-4) gave up six hits Wednesday with eight strikeouts and one walk while recording his second career complete game.

Strasburg hit his second homer of the year when he lined the first pitch from Marlins starter Adam Conley in the last of the fifth into the seats in right-center. The ball was hit 100 mph by Strasburg.

Two batters later, Difo lined a solo homer to left to give the Nationals a 2-0 lead off Conley. It was the fifth homer of the year for Difo, who started at second base after playing right field for the first time Tuesday night.

Anthony Rendon (2-for-4), a Houston native who has family affected by Hurricane Harvey, had an RBI double in the seventh with two outs for a 3-0 cushion. His hit off Drew Steckenrider scored Trea Turner, who walked and stole his 36th base a day after coming off the disabled list.

The Nationals added a run in the eighth on a passed ball to make it 4-0.

Strasburg left his previous start, on Thursday at Houston, with leg cramps after pitching six scoreless innings. He has not allowed a run in his last 15 innings

J.T. Realmuto led off the fifth with a triple down the third-base line. But Strasburg fanned Derek Dietrich and A.J. Ellis and then got Conley to pop out with the bases loaded to end the threat.

Conley (6-6), who gave up 11 hits and five runs at Washington on Aug. 9, allowed two runs in six innings Wednesday. Realmuto (3-for-3) also had a single and double, and Dee Gordon had two hits.

NOTES: Washington RF Bryce Harper (hyperextended left knee) told reporters before the game he is "a long ways from running" and has no idea when he will return. He was injured running to first in a home game Aug. 12 against the Giants. ... The Nationals begin a series Thursday in Milwaukee and LHP Gio Gonzalez (13-5, 2.40 ERA) will face RHP Zach Davies (15-7, 3.91) of the Brewers. ... The Marlins begin a series at home Thursday, and RHP Odrisamer Despaigne (0-1, 3.70) will make his third start of the year against Phillies RHP Ben Lively (1-5, 3.46). ... Marlins manager Don Mattingly said Wednesday he hopes injured 1B Justin Bour (right oblique strain) can play in some minor league rehab games this weekend. Most minor leagues end regular-season play Monday. "We are running out of time," Mattingly said. Bour, who has 21 homers, has been on the disabled list since July 25.