Keibert Ruiz was one triple away from hitting for the cycle, Jacob Young had three hits, and the Washington Nationals defeated the Miami Marlins 6-2 on Tuesday night.
Patrick Corbin had another strong performance, pitching 5 2/3 innings and allowing two runs. Joey Gallo hit a three-run home run for the Nationals, who are now 8-0 against the Marlins this season, a big turnaround from their 6-26 record against the Marlins in the previous two seasons.
Corbin (5-12) gave up seven hits and struck out eight batters, which matched his season high. He has now won three straight starts after a rough stretch where he went 2-12 in his last 25 games.
“Just try to continue to do what’s been working and go from there,” Corbin said. “Staying out of the middle of the plate and mixing it up. Continue to do that and keep these hitters off balance and locate pitches.”
Corbin is in the last month of a six-year contract with Washington and has led the major leagues in losses over the past three seasons.
“Patrick Corbin was really good again. That was awesome to see,” Nationals coach Dave Martinez said.
Ruiz has performed well at the Marlins’ home field, where he has 18 hits, including five extra-base hits, in 16 games.
“I got my family here and obviously, it’s a different energy,” said Ruiz, who lives in South Florida during the off-season. “I was swinging at my pitches and not trying to do too much. That’s got to be the plan and to remain consistent.”
Young’s RBI single in the third inning gave the Nationals a 1-0 lead. Ruiz hit a leadoff double and scored after Young’s hit bounced inside the right-field foul line.
The Nationals increased their lead with Gallo’s home run in the fourth inning. It was his first home run since June 3 after missing 60 games due to a left hamstring strain.
