The Miami Marlins achieved a significant milestone on Sunday, completing a three-game sweep of the Washington Nationals with a 4-2 victory. This win propels them to 10 games over .500 for the first time since 2011, marking a remarkable achievement for the team. The Marlins now boast a 41-31 record, the second-best start in franchise history through 72 games, trailing only the World Series-winning 1997 team.
First-year manager Skip Schumaker expressed pride in his team's consistent approach, emphasizing the positive culture they are building. This sweep marks the third time Miami has swept the Nationals in their last four visits to Washington.
While Lane Thomas hit a home run for the Nationals, it wasn't enough to overcome their struggles. Washington has now lost 11 of their last 13 games, falling to a National League-worst 27-43 record. Their offensive woes continued in this series, going 4 for 21 with runners in scoring position and 0-6 against the Marlins this season. Manager Dave Martinez stressed the need for the team to improve their plate discipline.
Marlins pitcher Jesús Luzardo, a former Nationals draft pick, secured his first win at Nationals Park, allowing only two runs and five hits over six innings. Thomas's home run was the only significant blemish on Luzardo's performance. Luzardo highlighted his efforts to conserve the bullpen, a valuable contribution given the recent workload of relievers A.J. Puk and Tanner Scott.
Luzardo's strong outing allowed Andrew Nardi to earn his second save, closing out the game for Miami. The Marlins finished their recent road trip with a 6-3 record and have won an impressive 16 of their last 21 games. Miami took a decisive lead in the fourth inning with a sacrifice fly by Bryan De La Cruz and an RBI single by Jorge Soler, bringing the score to 4-2.
Nationals pitcher Patrick Corbin, despite giving up 11 hits and four runs, managed to pitch six innings and strand nine Marlins runners. The Marlins initially took the lead in the second inning with Jacob Amaya's RBI fielder's choice and extended it in the third with Nick Fortes' sacrifice fly.
In injury news, Marlins' batting leader Luis Arraez was absent from the lineup for the first time since May 25, while Nationals' third baseman Jeimer Candelario was a late scratch due to a thumb injury. Amaya made history as the second Marlin to record a hit, run, RBI, and stolen base in his debut game, matching Jerar Encarnación's feat on Father's Day 2022.
Looking ahead, the Marlins will return home to face Toronto with Bryan Hoeing starting, while the Nationals will host St. Louis with Josiah Gray on the mound.
