Jose Tena had two hits, including a home run, while Patrick Corbin pitched for six innings, and the Washington Nationals defeated the Miami Marlins 4-1 on Saturday.
Joey Gallo and Juan Yepez also hit home runs for Washington, now winning three out of their last four games. Keibert Ruiz added two hits to the mix.
Corbin (6-13) gave up one run on three hits, with one walk and six strikeouts. He didn’t allow any hits after the second inning and retired 13 of the last 15 batters he faced. Corbin has won four of his last five starts, two of which were against the Marlins, and has lowered his ERA to 5.45.
“I think I’ve just kind of located a lot better, have gotten some more strikeouts which helps, keeps the ball out of the infield or out of the outfield where they can get hits,” Corbin said. “Not walking as many guys. Just a combination of all that and locating fastball and not really getting beat on that pitch as much.”
Kyle Finnegan closed the game in the ninth inning, earning his 38th save, which is the third most in the majors.
Otto Lopez had two hits and drove in the only run for the Marlins, who have lost five of their last six games.
Miami starter Valente Bellozo (2-4) allowed three runs on six hits, including two home runs, over 5 1/3 innings.
Marlins manager Skip Schumaker commented on Bellozo’s performance, saying, “I thought he was good. Lot of strikes. Kept us in the game. The solo home run we can always live with. It’s the walks and that type of thing that gets us trouble but I thought he didn’t do any of that. He did really well.”
Gallo tied the game 1-1 in the bottom of the second inning when he hit a 2-0 pitch from Bellozo into the second deck in right field.
Washington took a 2-1 lead in the fourth inning when Tena singled, stole second base, and scored on Ruiz’s single that went past first base.
Tena then made it 3-1 with a home run in the sixth inning, ending Bellozo’s day on the mound.
