The Miami Marlins wrapped up a three-game sweep of the Washington Nationals on Sunday afternoon, riding timely hitting from Eric Wagaman and Dane Myers, as well as strong relief pitching, to secure a 3-1 victory at Nationals Park.
Wagaman drove in two of Miami’s three runs, including a sacrifice fly in the first inning that plated Agustín Ramírez and another in the seventh to provide a critical insurance run. His contributions were backed by Dane Myers, who launched a solo home run off Washington starter MacKenzie Gore (3-6) to lead off the second inning, putting the Marlins ahead for good at 2-1.
Nick Fortes also had a standout day at the plate for Miami, collecting three hits—including a double—and scoring a run, as the Marlins out-hit Washington 11-7. The victory marks Miami’s first series sweep since late May and gives the club its third consecutive win, a rare stretch in what has otherwise been a difficult season.
The Nationals’ lone run came in the first inning, when Alex Call scored on a groundout by Luis García Jr. to tie the game 1-1. But the Marlins bullpen silenced Washington’s offense from there, highlighted by a key moment in the fifth inning.
With Miami holding a 2-1 lead and the Nationals threatening with runners at the corners and one out, reliever Lake Bachar (3-0) got veteran slugger Josh Bell to roll into an inning-ending double play, preserving the lead.
Miami added its third and final run in the seventh, when Wagaman delivered again with a bases-loaded sacrifice fly off Gore, who took the loss despite a quality outing (6.1 IP, 3 ER).
The Nationals made one last push in the bottom of the ninth. After Freddy Tarnok retired Keibert Ruiz on a groundout, José Tena was hit by a pitch to bring the tying run to the plate. But Call grounded into a game-ending double play, and Tarnok earned his first save of the season.
The Marlins’ offense has caught fire of late. Over their last nine games, they lead the National League in hits (92) and batting average (.280), a welcome turnaround for a team that struggled mightily at the plate in the early months of the season.
The Marlins return home to open a four-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday. Reigning Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara (3-7, 7.14 ERA) is set to face promising Phillies rookie Mick Abel (1-0, 2.35 ERA). The Nationals head west to take on the Colorado Rockies in Denver, with Jake Irvin (5-3, 4.21 ERA) getting the start against Carson Palmquist (0-4, 7.77 ERA).
With the sweep, Miami improves its season momentum and will look to keep rolling in a crucial homestand against division rivals.
