Washington Nationals kick off a weekend series with a win against the Marlins, 8-1

Washington, D.C. - Good teams are supposed to beat teams that are struggling or in last place in the division. The Nationals got a good start tonight by beating the Miami Marlins 8-1.

The Nationals plated eight runs on 13 hits and committed one error. Their record now stands at 33-36, with a home record of 14-17.

Getting the start for the Nationals was LHP MacKenzie Gore, who pitched 7.0 innings, giving up one run on five hits, striking out ten, and walking one. Gore also threw 103 pitches, 71 being strikes, and he faced 28 batters. Gore improved his record to 6-5.

RHP Jacob Barnes got the ball for the Nationals in the top of the eighth after Gore left. He pitched one shutout inning, giving up only one hit, throwing 17 pitches, and striking out one.

RHP Jordan Weems got the call for the Nationals in the top of the ninth to close the game with a seven-run cushion and did not allow a run scored.

CJ Abrams, Joey Meneses, Jesse Winker, and Lane Thomas got RBIs tonight. Thomas also hit a 3-run home run, his fifth of the season, in the bottom of the 3rd inning off Miami starter RHP Shaun Anderson, which scored Jacob Young and CJ Abrams. The Nationals put up seven runs in the bottom of the third.

At the night's end, CJ Abrams finished 3-for-4 with 2 RBI, Joey Meneses finished the night for 1-for-4, and Jesse Winker finished the game 2-4

Next, the Washington Nationals will continue their weekend series against the Marlins tomorrow afternoon, with LHP DJ Herz (0-1; 6.48 ERA) scheduled to make the start.

The Nats Report is an independent reader-supported project with free and paid subscriptions, not affiliated with the Washington Nationals.

Those who opt for the paid edition are providing vital assistance to bolster our independent coverage of the Washington Nationals and Major League Baseball.