All-Star Performance
Fresh off the disabled list from a left shoulder injury, Nationals starter Scott Olsen showed good control. At one point he retired 12 consecutive Marlins hitters. In seven innings, he gave up only six hits.
Most Valuable Player
Olsen was matched by Ricky Nolasco, who allowed only four hits and struck out eight. The right-hander, who returned to the Majors on June 7th, won his third straight decision.
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Overlooked
Wes Helms, who hit for Nolasco in the eighth inning, opened up the frame with a key double down the right-field line. That hit led to Florida’s game-winning score on a sacrifice fly.
Oops!
Ron Villone and Julian Tavarez continued the Nats’ bullpen struggles. Villone gave up the crucial late-game run that put the Marlins on top, 3-2. Tavarez later walked in an insurance run.
From the Dugout
Manny Acta pinch-hit for Scott Olsen in the eighth. It seems the option of leaving Olsen — who threw 94 pitches — in for a lengthened start after rehab was a risk he didn’t want to take.
Fredi Gonzalez, on the other hand, was fortunate with his insertion of a pinch-hitter for his starter. Wes Helms delivered in the bottom of the eighth with a double, leading to the go-ahead run.
