Javier Sanoja’s dramatic ninth-inning single snapped Miami’s losing skid, rewarding a resilient Marlins squad that overcame a late blown lead to stun Washington Friday at loanDepot park.
MIAMI — The Miami Marlins (65-64) refused to give up Friday, rallying late to defeat the Washington Nationals (61-69) 3-2 on Javier Sanoja’s walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth at loanDepot park.
It was Sanoja’s first career walk-off hit.
After Washington tied the game at 2-2 with two outs in the top of the ninth, the Marlins loaded the bases with nobody out in the bottom half, putting the winning run just 90 feet away.
With the crowd roaring and Washington desperately trying to escape the inning, Sanoja stepped to the plate with a chance to end the game.
He delivered.
Sanoja singled to center field, bringing home the winning run and sending the Marlins pouring out of the dugout as Miami completed the comeback.
The victory snapped the Marlins’ three-game losing streak following a disappointing series against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park earlier in the week, in which the club was swept.
Miami trailed 1-0 for much of the game before finally breaking through in the eighth inning.
Outfielder Jakob Marsee led off the inning with a triple down the first-base line, giving the home crowd some life after Washington’s pitching had stifled the Marlins for most of the evening.
Miami took advantage of the opportunity and pushed across two runs in the inning, taking a 2-1 lead and putting themselves three outs away from completing the comeback. Sanoja, who entered the game as a pinch hitter, played a key role in the rally.
But the Nationals had one last answer.
Pete Fairbanks came on to protect the lead in the ninth and appeared to be close to securing the victory. With two outs, however, Washington rallied.
Daylen Lile singled to left field with two outs, plating the tying run and knotting the game at 2-2.
The Marlins quickly put that disappointment behind them in the bottom of the inning, loading the bases and setting the stage for Sanoja’s game-winning hit.
Washington grabbed control earlier in the game, scoring once in the sixth inning against Miami reliever Tyler Zuber after starter Ryan Gusto pitched four scoreless innings.
The Nationals’ Keibert Ruiz hit his eighth home run of the season to right field, giving Washington a 1-0 lead.
The Marlins were shut out through seven innings before their late offensive surge changed the game.
Miami’s comeback capped a wild finish and gave the Marlins a much-needed victory, improving their record to 65-64 while continuing their chase for the club’s first playoff berth since 2023 with 33 games remaining.
