Marlins Sweep Nationals on Tommy Hutton Day

MIAMI — On a day when the organization honored television analyst Tommy Hutton for his nearly three-decade run with the franchise, the Miami Marlins completed an important three-game sweep Sunday with a 6-2 win over the Washington Nationals at loanDepot park.

Hutton, with his family and three granddaughters on the field before first pitch, took a few minutes to soak in the special moment, which included each of his granddaughters throwing out a ceremonial first pitch.

The Marlins (67-64) struck first Sunday against Nationals left-hander Jackson Kent, who went 4 2/3 innings, allowing three runs on four hits, walking three and striking out five on 90 pitches.

Washington (61-71), looking for some momentum after a rough stretch recently, evened the game at 1-1 when right fielder Dylan Crews roped an RBI double to deep center field off Marlins right-hander Janson Junk, who finished with a no-decision.

Junk threw 69 pitches over 4 2/3 innings, allowing one run on two hits with no walks and two strikeouts.

Second baseman Xavier Edwards delivered the key play of the day Sunday for the Marlins, who got back on track this weekend after a rough 72 hours at Citizens Bank Park earlier in the week against the Philadelphia Phillies.

After Griffin Conine and Brian Navarreto opened the fifth inning with back-to-back swinging strikeouts, three straight Marlins reached base before Edwards lined a two-run single to left, scoring Agustín Ramírez and Otto Lopez to give the Marlins a 3-1 lead. 

Washington would inch closer in the sixth inning when Jorbit Vivas plated Keibert Ruiz with an RBI double to deep right center, cutting the Marlins' lead to 3-2.

Miami's bullpen, however, stood tall, while the offense extended its lead late in the game.

Reliever Michael Petersen, after a rough outing in Philadelphia Tuesday, pitched his second straight scoreless appearance, picking up the win.

The Marlins also saw the debut of Jack Ralston, who tossed two scoreless innings and struck out two, including the first batter he faced in his major league career.

Ralston was called up from Triple-A Jacksonville as part of two roster moves the club made Sunday, with left-hander John King getting designated for assignment.

As the Marlins continue fighting tooth and nail for a playoff spot, the club opens a three-game series Monday at 6:40 p.m. ET against the Boston Red Sox at loanDepot park.

Manager Clayton McCullough confirmed after Sunday’s game that ace Sandy Alcantara (13-8, 3.46 ERA) will get the start after last pitching Aug. 19 in Philadelphia.