Stephen Strasburg was unable to handle the Miami Marlins and the Washington Nationals were unable to provide any run support, as the Nationals dropped their fifth straight game, losing to Miami 9-0 on Tuesday night in southern Florida.
Strasburg came out against the Marlins without his best stuff, surrendering five earned runs in five innings pitched. Justin Ruggiano provided much of the offense for the Marlins, going 4-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored.
The five-game losing streak matches a Nationals' season worst and the 9-0 loss is the worst shutout loss in team history, equaling a 9-0 loss Washington dropped to the Florida Marlins in 2005.
Ricky Nolasco went the distance for Miami, pitching nine innings of shutout baseball to send the Nationals further down the skid they're on. In relief, the Nationals' Craig Stammen gave up two runs in three innings pitched while trying to corral the Marlins offense.
The Nationals collected just five hits against Nolasco, with catcher Kurt Suzuki highlighting the Nationals' deficient offensive attack with two hits on the night.
The two teams wrap up their quick two-game set tomorrow at 7:10 p.m. EST.
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