Nationals Smash Marlins

     The Washington Nationals slammed the Miami Marlins 11-4 on Saturday at loanDepot park. The Marlins, who now have a five-game losing streak, look to avoid a three-game series sweep by the Nationals on Sunday. 

     Miami(6-22) scooted out to a 1-0 in the bottom of the first in an unusual way. Nats starting pitcher Mitchell Parker threw a wild pitch for Luis Arraez to cross the plate. 

     Washington(12-14) tied it up 1-1 in a similar way during the top of the third. Marlins catcher Christian Bethancourt was charged with a passed ball and Jacob Young scored. 

     The Nationals piled on five runs in the fifth inning for a 6-1 advantage. Young reached first on a fielder's choice for Eddie Rosario to beat the tag at home. Jesse Winker later smacked a grand-slam homer to right field which scored Nick Senzel, Young and C.J. Abrams. It was Winker's third home run of the 2024 season.