🔥 QUICK RECAP
Nationals Lose 3-0 vs. Miami Marlins
📍 CACTI Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, March 1st, 2026
⭐ Player of the Game: Riley Cornelio(3.0IP, 2H, 1HR, 4K, 1BB)
⚡ Turning Point: The Marlins took control of the game in the first inning and didn’t budge.
📊 Record: 5-3-2 | Streak: 1 Loss
How Did Tonight's Game Play Out?
West Palm Beach, Florida — March 1st, 2026 — An early 1-0 lead was enough for the Marlins to take down the Nationals on Sunday afternoon.
The Miami Marlins jumped on Brad Lord and the Washington Nationals in the top of the first inning with a leadoff single from Xavier Edwards. Christopher Morel tripled later in the inning to drive in a run. The Fish scored another run in the second inning behind a Daniel Johnson double to right field. Washington couldn’t get anything going at the plate and fell to Miami, 3-0.
How Did the Nationals Score Their Runs?
It was an uneventful game for the Nats’ offense, collecting just four hits in the game and scoring zero runs. Although it’s spring training, games like these cannot become a trend. Just three hits as a team is unacceptable, especially to a pitching squad like Miami’s. The Nats have a young roster, so games like these will happen, but it cannot be the norm.
Which Hitters Had the Biggest Nights?
Christian Franklin(1-3)
Drew Millas(1-2)
Robert Hassell III(1-1, BB)
CJ Abrams(0-2, BB)
Trey Lipscomb(1-2)
Team RISP: 0-4
How Did the Pitching Staff Perform?
Brad Lord started on the mound for the Nats and gave up five hits over 2.1 innings of work. The right-hander threw 43 pitches and struck out two batters. Kyle Luckham got the final two outs of the third inning while escaping a bases-loaded jam. Riley Cornelio, who’s turning heads this spring, threw three more impressive innings today. Cornelio struck out four and gave up one home run. Clayton Beeter pitched a clean seventh inning with a strikeout. Orlando Rhibalta and Trevor Gott pitched the final two innings for the Nats while giving up zero earned runs.
What Defensive Plays Changed the Game?
Christian Franklin recorded an outfield assist by gunning down Daniel Johnson at second base. The Nats also recorded one double play turned by CJ Abrams and Luis Garcia Jr. The Nats played a clean defensive game in the loss.
What Was the Game's Turning Point?
The Marlins established momentum on their side after two innings. They had a 2-0 lead, and the Nats weren’t generating any success at the plate. Miami held that momentum throughout the afternoon and grabbed the win, 3-0.
Who Was the Player of the Game?
Player of the Game: Riley Cornelio(3.0IP, 2H, 1HR, 4K, 1BB)
What Are the Key Stats and Milestones?
Nationals' record: 5-3-2
Team RISP: 0-4
Attendance: 2,889
What's Next for the Nationals?
The Nats will travel to the other side of the field tomorrow as they take on the Astros at 1:05 EST. The two squads share CACTI Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, so there’s no travel for tomorrow’s road game. Josiah Gray is making his first appearance of the spring, and Hunter Brown has the ball for Houston.