Nationals defeat Marlins 4-1 with Garc\u00eda Jr. homer
- DJ Herz pitched five innings for the Nationals, allowing only one run and striking out five batters.
- The Nationals scored three unearned runs due to three errors by the Marlins, including a critical mistake by pitcher Edward Cabrera.
- The victory marked a significant win for the Nationals as they continue their series against the Marlins.
On Friday night, the Washington Nationals faced off against the Miami Marlins, securing a 4-1 victory. Luis García Jr. made a significant impact by hitting his 16th home run of the season in the seventh inning, extending the Nationals' lead. DJ Herz, the starting pitcher for Washington, delivered a strong performance, allowing only one run over five innings while striking out five batters. His success against the Marlins this season has been notable, with an impressive 0.82 ERA in two starts. The Nationals capitalized on three errors made by the Marlins, which led to three unearned runs. The first inning proved crucial as Miami's pitcher Edward Cabrera dropped a throw, allowing two runs to score. Despite struggling offensively for much of the game, the Nationals took advantage of the Marlins' mistakes to build their lead. Jacob Young contributed with an RBI single, further solidifying the Nationals' position. Miami's Otto Lopez managed to hit a home run, but it was not enough to turn the tide for the struggling team, which has now lost four of its last five games. The Marlins' pitching staff faced challenges, with Cabrera allowing only two more baserunners after the first inning but still suffering from the defensive lapses behind him. In a notable side story, the Marlins set a new major league record by using their 70th player of the season, highlighting the team's struggles. The Nationals' victory was a positive step as they continue their four-game series against Miami, with Patrick Corbin set to pitch next.