The Miami Marlins took on the Washington Nationals on Wednesday evening and won in extra innings, 3-1. This game marked only the second win since the All-Star break for a Miami team who has been struggling all year and continues to lack a step in the right direction. The Marlins currently sit in fifth place in the NL East.
Recap
This game was no short of a defensive battle. The only runs by both teams came in the fourth inning, where Starling Marte scored on a groundout to second from Joe Panik to give the Marlins an early lead. This lead would soon be stopped. Nationals third baseman Andre Stevenson doubled in the bottom of the fourth which drove in Josh Richardson.
For all of five innings, Marlins starting pitcher Nick Neidert was in control of the game. Through five, Neidert only allowed three hits which helped the Marlins steal a game away from a Nationals team that only two days ago, put up 18 runs in the same series. Neidert helped propel the win Wednesday, coming in with a desperate performance on the mound.
With the game going to 10 innings, the Marlins looked to capitalize. As extra innings rolled around, the Marlins looked to their bench for the spark they needed. Pinch hitter Jorge Alfaro stepped into the batter’s box and looked to make an impact with his opportunity. He did exactly that, doubling to left field which scored Lewis Brinson and propelled the Marlins to victory.
Next Up
Miami will head home for a four-game series with Fernando Tatis Jr. and the San Diego Padres.