The Washington Nationals completed a three-game sweep of the Miami Marlins on Sunday, winning 3-1 behind home runs from Jacob Young and Lane Thomas.
Young’s first major league homer came in his 93rd career game and gave the Nationals a 2-1 lead in the sixth inning. Thomas’ homer was his third in as many days, and Ildemaro Vargas added an RBI double to secure the win.
The Nationals have now won eight of nine and improved to 7-0 against Miami this season. The Marlins, meanwhile, have lost five straight and 11 of 13, falling to a league-worst 23-48.
Washington’s starters have been dominant, with a 1.41 ERA over the last 10 games. Mitchell Parker allowed just six hits and no walks in six innings, and Kyle Finnegan earned his 20th save in the ninth.
The Marlins struggled with runners in scoring position, going 1 for 5 on Sunday and 2 for 17 in the series. Manager Skip Schumaker praised his team’s effort but acknowledged a lack of execution.
“They’re not happy when they’re getting one run or shut out or that type of thing,” Schumaker said. “It was a tough road trip, no question. But it’s not a lack of effort or preparation. Just a lack of execution right now.”
The Nationals, on the other hand, are riding a wave of momentum, with their starters leading the charge. As Parker said, “Everyone’s throwing well…it’s contagious.
We keep winning ballgames. Winning’s fun.” The team’s confidence is growing, and they’re starting to gel as a unit. With their sweep of the Marlins, the Nationals have made a statement in the NL East, and they’ll look to keep their winning ways going in their next series.