Sánchez Powers Marlins to 4-3 Win Over Nationals, Securing Series

Jesús Sánchez launched a pivotal home run in the seventh inning, propelling the Miami Marlins to a 4-3 victory over the Washington Nationals on Saturday.

This win marked Miami's sixth series triumph of the season, their first since they took two of three from the Los Angeles Angels in late May. The Marlins also celebrated back-to-back wins for the first time since May 24-25.

Meanwhile, the Nationals faced their seventh consecutive loss, tying their longest losing streak of the season, which previously occurred from May 6-13.

In a tense ninth inning, Washington managed to score two runs off reliever Anthony Bender—one from a wild pitch and another due to a misplayed ground ball. With the bases loaded and no outs, Bender managed to secure a crucial out by getting Amed Rosario to fly out to shallow left. Calvin Faucher then stepped in, earning his seventh save by inducing James Wood to pop up to shortstop.

The Marlins utilized three pitchers in the first 2 1/3 innings before handing the ball to Janson Junk (1-0). Junk delivered an impressive performance, allowing just two baserunners over 5 2/3 shutout innings, marking the longest outing of his career. This victory was his second overall and his first since July 27, 2022, while he was with the Angels.

Miami struggled offensively early on, managing only a single run from Liam Hicks' third-inning RBI hit against Nationals starter Trevor Williams (3-8). However, Hicks and Otto Lopez ignited a rally in the sixth with back-to-back singles. Eric Wagaman then contributed with a single off reliever Brad Lord, giving Miami a 2-1 advantage.

Sánchez's one-out blast to right field against Lord was his sixth home run of the season, adding crucial insurance runs for the Marlins.

In the eighth inning, Miami capitalized on an error by Nationals second baseman Luis García Jr., who dropped Javier Sanoja's two-out pop-up, allowing Kyle Stowers to cross home plate.

The Nationals initially took the lead in the second inning when Riley Adams drew a bases-loaded walk.

Lopez secured the final out of the game despite teammates converging around him, showcasing a moment of teamwork amidst the tension.

As June progresses, the Nationals are averaging just 2.5 runs per game and have struggled significantly with a 2-10 record this month, scoring more than three runs only twice.

Looking ahead, Miami's right-hander Eury Perez (0-1, 12.00) is set to face Washington's lefty MacKenzie Gore (3-5, 2.88 ERA) in the series finale on Sunday. Gore has historically performed well against the Marlins, holding a 2-2 record with a 2.97 ERA in five career starts against them.