CJ Abrams smashed a two-run homer as the Washington Nationals secured a 7-2 victory against the Miami Marlins on Monday night, completing a four-game sweep of the NL’s weakest team in front of just 6,376 fans at loanDepot Park.
The Marlins, who reached the playoffs last year, have now lost seven games in a row, marking their longest losing streak since starting the season with nine consecutive losses.
Pitcher Jake Irvin (2-2) bounced back impressively, allowing only two runs on four hits over six innings after a tough outing against the Los Angeles Dodgers in his last start.
“I just focused on throwing strikes and staying ahead in the count,” Irvin commented. “It definitely helps when I’m in control.”
Ildemaro Vargas contributed with two hits and an RBI for the Nationals, who completed their first four-game sweep against Miami since September 18-21, 2014.
With this win, the Nationals have now won four games in a row for the second time this year, reaching a .500 record of 14-14, their first time being at this mark since March 30. They haven’t been over .500 since July 1, 2021.
“Our team showed great teamwork, which I’m really proud of,” said Nationals manager Dave Martinez. “They’re supporting each other and stepping up when needed. It was evident throughout the weekend.”
Abrams gave the Nationals a 2-0 lead in the third inning with his seventh home run of the season off Trevor Rogers (0-4). The shortstop, who hit 18 homers last year in his rookie season, expressed, “I was just waiting for the right pitch. Luckily, I got one and made it count.”
Marlins shortstop Tim Anderson left the game after the third inning due to a mild sprain in his left thumb. He sustained the injury during a collision with Alex Call at second base when Call slid into the bag for a double.
