Stanton, Koehler too much as Nats are shut out 8-0

MIAMI - Nationals starter Stephen Strasburg ran into difficulty to start the fourth when Marlins third baseman Martin Prado ripped a double to the right-center gap to lead off the inning. Right fielder Giancarlo followed with another double down the left line to score Prado easily for the game's first run.

Stanton is 2-for-2 today and now 12-for-30 with three homers and six doubles against Strasburg in his career.

The Marlins added another run two batters later when first baseman Justin Bour singled home Stanton.

Meanwhile, the Nats have managed just three hits against Marlins starter Tom Koehler, who entered today with a 6.75 ERA. Their best scoring opportunity came in the second when catcher Wilson Ramos and right fielder Reed Johnson hit consecutive two-out singles. But second baseman Danny Espinosa grounded out to quietly end the inning.

The Nationals have only scored three runs over the last 29 innings.

Update: Strasburg was careful with Stanton in his next at-bat and ended up surrendering a leadoff walk that he would pay for. Center fielder Marcell Ozuna's single advanced Stanton and then he scored for the second time on a RBI base knock from Bour.

The Marlins would tack on another run as Ozuna crossed the plate when catcher J.T. Realmuto hit into a double play.

Strasburg's day ended after six innings. He allowed four runs on eight hits and two walks with six strikeouts.

Koehler has limited the Nats to just five singles and a walk through seven innings.

Update II: Stanton rudely introduced himself to Nats rookie right-hander Rafael Martin with a gigantic solo blast to start the eighth. Stanton terrorized the Nats all day, going 3-for-3 with a homer, double, two RBIs and three runs scored.

After two more singles, Hechavarria piled on with a three-run homer off Martin.

The Marlins shut out the Nats 8-0. The Nats fall to 7-11 with their fourth straight loss.