Marlins End 4-Game Skid, Scratch Out Win Over Nationals, 3-2
MIAMI (AP) — The Miami Marlins' runs came home on an error, a walk and a hit batsman, helping them break a four-game losing streak by beating the Washington Nationals 3-2 Friday.
Miami, last in the majors in runs, totaled just six hits and went 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position. But pinch-hitter Martin Prado's bases-loaded walk in the sixth put the Marlins ahead for the first time since Saturday, and they won after being shut out in the past two games.
Caleb Smith (2-0) struck out eight and allowed one run in six innings. He won his second start in a row and lowered his ERA to 2.35.
Three relievers completed a six-hitter. Sergio Romo pitched a perfect ninth for his second save, and his first since March 31 as Miami (5-15) won a series opener for the first time.
Anibal Sanchez (0-2) allowed three runs in 5 1/3 innings.
Washington's Anthony Rendon doubled to extend his hitting streak to 17 games, longest in the majors this year. Teammate Brian Dozier hit his second homer.
The Marlins took the lead in the sixth inning, and they had help. With the score 1-all and runners at second and third, Sanchez fielded Rosell Herrera's bunt and threw home while the runners held, which loaded the bases.
Sanchez walked Prado on a 3-1 pitch to make the score 2-1. Reliever Matt Grace's first pitch hit Curtis Granderson in the hip, bringing in another run.
The Marlins ended a streak of 24 consecutive scoreless innings when they broke through in the second, and again they had help. An error by first baseman Ryan Zimmerman allowed a runner to come home from third.
Washington scratched out a run in the first. Adam Eaton led off with a bunt single, took second on a wild pitch and came home on Juan Soto's single.
ROSTER MOVE
Before the game, the Nationals placed RHP Austen Williams (sprained right AC joint) on the 10-day injured list retroactive to Thursday, and recalled RHP Austin Adams from Triple-A Fresno.
UP NEXT
Nationals: RHP Max Scherzer (1-2, 3.33), who is scheduled to start Saturday, won all five of his starts last year against Miami with a 2.38 ERA. In 19 career starts against the Marlins, Scherzer is 12-3 with a 2.98 ERA.
Marlins: RHP Jose Urena (0-3, 6.53) went 2-0 with a 2.14 ERA in three starts against Washington last year.
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