Xavier Edwards’ go-ahead two-run single in the fifth inning lifted the Miami Marlins to a 6-2 win over the Washington Nationals on Sunday, completing a three-game sweep.
The Miami Marlins defeated the Washington Nationals 6-2 on Sunday at loanDepot park, completing a three-game series sweep. Xavier Edwards delivered the decisive blow with a go-ahead two-run single in the fifth inning, breaking a 2-2 tie and propelling Miami to its third straight victory. The win improved the Marlins to 67-64, while the Nationals fell to 61-71.
Marlins’ Timely Hitting Seals Sweep
Miami’s offense came through when it mattered most, with Edwards’ fifth-inning single flipping the game. The Marlins had taken a 2-0 lead early, but Washington fought back to tie, setting the stage for Edwards’ heroics. The Marlins added insurance runs later to put the game out of reach. Over the three-game series, Miami showed a knack for clutch hitting, including Javier Sanoja’s walk-off single in Friday’s 3-2 win and solo homers from Heriberto Hernández and Jakob Marsee in Saturday’s 4-2 victory.
Nationals Unable to Overcome Early Deficit
Washington rallied to tie the game at 2-2, but could not sustain the momentum against Miami’s pitching. The Nationals’ offense struggled to produce beyond the early innings, managing only two runs on the day. With the loss, Washington has now dropped three straight and sits 10 games under .500. The Nationals return home to face the Colorado Rockies, hoping to right the ship against the last-place team in the National League.
Turning Point: Edwards’ Fifth-Inning Single
The game turned in the bottom of the fifth inning when Edwards stepped up with runners in scoring position and delivered a two-run single to give the Marlins a 4-2 lead. That hit proved to be the difference, as Washington could not answer. The Nationals’ bullpen had kept the game within reach, but Edwards’ timely knock broke the tie and swung the momentum firmly in Miami’s favor.
Injury Concerns for Both Clubs
Both teams are dealing with significant injuries. The Nationals have a lengthy injury list, including CJ Abrams (day-to-day), James Wood (10-day IL), Drew Millas (10-day IL), Josiah Gray (60-day IL), and Richard Lovelady (60-day IL). The Marlins are also banged up, with Kyle Stowers (10-day IL), Anthony Bender (15-day IL), Max Meyer (15-day IL), Ronny Henriquez (60-day IL), and Adam Mazur (60-day IL) all sidelined. These absences have tested each team’s depth as the season heads into its final stretch.
What It Means for the Division Race
The Marlins’ sweep keeps them firmly in the NL East mix, sitting at 67-64, third in the division and three games over .500. With the playoffs approaching, every win matters, and Miami will look to extend its streak when it hosts the Boston Red Sox on Monday. The Nationals, meanwhile, are 10 games under .500 and fourth in the NL East, with their focus shifting to developing young talent and finishing the season strong. Washington begins a four-game home series against the Colorado Rockies on Monday, a prime opportunity to snap their losing skid against a struggling opponent.
Key Takeaways
- Miami completed a three-game sweep of Washington, winning 6-2 on Sunday.
- Xavier Edwards’ go-ahead two-run single in the fifth inning proved decisive.
- The Nationals have lost three straight and are 10 games under .500.
- Both teams are dealing with significant injuries to key players.
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