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Nats lose 3rd straight on walk off Marlins single
It was a heartbreaker for the Nationals rookie league team as they held the Marlins scoreless for 5 straight innings, only to give up a walk off single in the bottom of the ninth to lose the game.
The Nationals broke out of the gate quickly with an early 3-0 lead, sparked by an Eddie Jones double with two on and two out in the first inning. Then the Marlins scored 3 runs of their own in the bottom of the 2nd and 3rd innings to tie the score at 3-3.
After that it was a pitchers duel as both sides were held scoreless in the 4th through 8th innings. In the top of the ninth the Nationals got off to a quick start with a Mesa single, then McMillian successfully sacrificed Mesa over to 2nd base. Vela was able to get another single with Mesa in scoring position, but good defence prevented Mesa from getting the go ahead run. The Marlins then got out of the jam as Jennings grounded into a 4-6-3 double play.
In the bottom of the ninth, the Marlins' Smith walked on four straight pitches, Hirose grounded into a fielders choice, Castro grounded out, allowing Hirose to advance to second base, and then Barrett hit the game winning single.
The Nationals fell to 1-3, and the Marlins improved to 2-2. The Nationals sit two games back of the 1st place Cardinals, who are 3-1. The Nats will have a chance to gain ground next game as they face the Cardinals themselves.
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