Nationals Eliminate Marlins

     The Miami Marlins were eliminated from playoff contention by the Washington Nationals 5-0 on Sunday at Marlins Park. The Fish also set a new franchise record as they clinched a losing season for the sixth consecutive year.
     Max Scherzer improved to l2-ll this season as allowed no runs, five hits and struck out six Miami(6l-82) batters in eight innings pitched. Marlins starting pitcher Brad Hand dropped to 4-6 as he surrendered three runs on five hits in 3 l/3 innings.
     Washington(72-70) moved up to a l-0 lead during the third inning. Anthony Rendon walked then Yunel Escobar singled to left field. Two batters later, Jayson Werth walked to load the bases. Rendon would score on a walk by Ian Desmond.
     In the fourth inning, the Nats compiled two additional runs. Michael A. Taylor walked, Tyler Moore singled to left field and both advanced one base when Scherzer bunted toward the right side of the diamond. Rendon singled to left to score Taylor, Urena relieved for Hand and Escobar walked to give Washington bases loaded. Following a fielder's choice at the plate, Werth ripped a single into center field which brought in Rendon.
     The Nationals extended their lead to 4-0 in the sixth inning. Matt den Dekker, who replaced Bryce Harper in the first inning, smashed a two-out home run to right field on a 0-l pitch by Jose Urena. It was the third homer this year by the Fort Lauderdale native.
     Washington put up an insurance run during the ninth inning against Scott McGough when Wilson Ramos beat out an infield double-play attempt to end the frame for Werth to score.