Brant Schwartz WASHINGTON — Dylan Crews drove in the winning run in the 10th inning as the Washington Nationals defeated the Miami Marlins 5-4 on Saturday, extending their winning streak to three games.
With automatic runner Nasim Nuñez starting the bottom of the 10th at second base, Miami reliever Michael Petersen walked José Tena and Daylen Lile to load the bases. With two outs, Crews lined a single past diving second baseman Xavier Edwards, bringing Nuñez home and ending the game.
The victory marked Washington’s first three-game winning streak since Aug. 7-9.
Nationals reliever Orlando Ribalta worked a scoreless top of the 10th to earn his first Major League victory in 70 career appearances. Petersen took the loss for Miami.
Washington built an early 4-0 advantage in the third inning against Marlins starter Sandy Alcantara. A throwing error by catcher Joe Mack allowed two runs to score on a ball hit by Crews. Brady House followed with an RBI single before Jorbit Vivas added a run-scoring double.
Nationals starter Cade Cavalli was dominant early, holding Miami without a hit through four innings while striking out eight and walking three. His outing ended prematurely after a 93 mph ground ball from Javier Sanoja struck him near the right ankle. Cavalli completed the play but left the game with what the team described as right calf discomfort.
Miami’s offense remained quiet until the seventh inning. After Leo Jiménez recorded the Marlins’ first hit, Agustín Ramírez drew a walk and Kyle Stowers delivered a two-run double.
Heriberto Hernández then erased Washington’s lead with a two-run homer into the visitors’ bullpen, tying the game at 4-4. It was Hernández’s team-leading 22nd home run of the season.
Alcantara allowed four runs over six innings and recorded three strikeouts. The appearance was also a milestone for the right-hander, who made his 198th start for Miami, passing Ricky Nolasco for the most starts in Marlins franchise history.
The Marlins have now lost four of their last five games, falling to 68-68, while Washington heads forward with its longest winning streak in nearly three weeks.
