The Nationals face the Rockies at Coors Field for the first half of this work week. Here are three things to watch for:
1. Can the Nationals stay above .500? Stephen Strasburg's impressive start along with Ryan Zimmerman's two homers and two RBI kept Washington from being swept by the lowly Marlins.
2. Who will produce with Anthony Rendon out? While the Nats 3B was sidelined with an elbow injury after being hit by a pitch in Saturday's outing against the Marlins, Howie Kendrick started in his place. Kendrick went 1-for-3 vs. Miami with one RBI and one strikeout. In terms of replacing Rendon's hitting prowess, Victor Robles has started a streak of his own. The youngster is hot on a seven-game hit streak, including a bunt over the infield Sunday.
3. Will the Nationals ever shore up their end game? Yesterday's ninth inning was on the brink of disaster. Kyle Barraclough allowed back-to-back walks, then Sean Doolittle loaded the bases. Luckily for the Nats, crisis averted.
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