Nationals Go Through Marlins

     The Washington Nationals almost blanked the Miami Marlins with a 4-1 victory on Friday night at Marlins Park. The Nationals extended their lead over the Fish by 4 1/2 games in the National League East.
     Washington(26-16) scored all four of their runs during the second inning. Ryan Zimmerman started with a solo home run to left-center field against Marlins starting pitcher Justin Nicolino which hit the base of the glass window of the exterior of the stadium for a 1-0 lead. It was the fifth homer for Zimmerman this year.
     Anthony Rendon followed with a double then scored on a double down the left-field line by Wilson Ramos. Two batters later, Michael A. Taylor socked a two-run homer into left field for his fourth homer run this season and a 4-0 margin.
     Miami(21-20) broke the shutout in the bottom of the fourth. Tanner Roark gave up a one-out solo home run to left field by Marcell Ozuna, which was his eighth homer of the campaign.