Nats game blog: Tanner Roark looks to keep win streak going against Marlins

By Byron Kerr

Nationals

September 17, 2015, 2:01pm

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The Nationals return home to begin their longest homestand of the regular season, spanning 11 games. They begin with the Marlins.

Miami stunned the first-place Mets 6-0 Wednesday night in New York. They also took two of three versus the Nationals last week in South Florida.

The Marlins have won 11 of their last 15 games. Imagine what they could have done with Giancarlo Stanton?

The Nationals swept the hapless no-name Phillies 24-9. In last night's 12-2 shellacking, Jayson Werth hit two homers for the second time in the series.

Tonight, right-hander Tanner Roark seeks his fifth win of the season. He started against the Marlins on September 12, going 4 2/3 innings, scattering eight hits, two earned runs, one walk and struck out two.

He has a 2.35 ERA versus the Marlins in 11 games (five starts) with a 2-3 record. At home this season, Roark is 2-0 with a 3.64 ERA in 29 2/3 innings in 15 appearances (two starts).

The Marlins counter with right-hander Jarred Cosart (1-4, 4.58 ERA), who is making his 11th start. He has a 0-2 record, but a 2.82 ERA in four career games against the Nationals.

The Marlins lead the season series 8-7, but are 2-4 at Nationals Park. These are the final four games between the two teams this season.

Oh, and Jose Fernandez is tomorrow night. But at least the Nationals can answer with Max Scherzer.

The Nationals are looking for their fifth straight win following a five-game skid.