Nationals vs – Foster Griffin struck out nine over seven innings, while Jacob Young homered as the Washington Nationals beat the Miami Marlins 3-2.
A season-high nine strikeouts set the tone early, and the Washington Nationals held on for a 3-2 win over the Miami Marlins.
Foster Griffin worked seven innings of two-run ball, limiting the Marlins after allowing a pair of runs in the first. Jacob Young, meanwhile, delivered when it mattered most, adding a home run that helped Washington jump out to a three-run lead in the opening frame.
Griffin’s ability to steady things after that rough start underscored why a strong first inning can still matter even when a pitcher has to regroup.
Washington’s first-inning production came quickly.. CJ Abrams added to the damage with a run-scoring single, and Young followed with a two-run homer.. Later. Curtis Mead contributed with extra-base contact and patient approaches at the plate. while CJ Abrams also reached multiple times to keep the offense moving.
On the basepaths, Nasim Núñez added pressure with two stolen bases, extending his major league lead. Miami’s offense fought back, stringing together opportunities of its own, including Xavier Edwards’ homer to narrow the score.
This kind of back-and-forth often hinges on momentum shifts, and Washington’s early burst gave it just enough cushion to withstand Miami’s late push.
Defensively and in relief, the Nationals continued to limit damage.. After the starter phase. Brad Lord got through a key stretch before a sequence of miscues and pitching changes brought the game closer.. The final moments were handled by the bullpen, which closed the door after Miami threatened again.
Miami’s Robby Snelling made his major league debut, facing an early challenge that included multiple walks. While the Marlins’ pitching had trouble navigating Washington’s first-round attack, Miami still managed five hits, with Otto López producing three and extending his hitting streak.
The result also reflects the different rhythms of team play over a stretch: when one side establishes early control, the rest of the game becomes a test of whether the other can sustain rallies.
Looking ahead, Washington will send Zack Littell to the mound in the next matchup, aiming to keep the momentum after Friday’s tightly contested win.