Washington Nationals have clinched a three-game win streak and first walk off win of the 2026 season after taking down the Miami Marlins, 5-4
For the first time in six tries under manager Blake Butera, the Washington Nationals have secured its first walk off win of the season to clinch a three game win streak, the team's first since Aug. 7 - 9. Washington clinched at least a series tie following a 5-4 win against the Miami Marlins on Saturday afternoon.
The game winning hit came courtesy of Dylan Crews, who now has a five game hitting streak, as he capped off a 2-for-5 day with his first career walk off hit. It marked an encouraging outing for Crews, who has struggled at points after opening the regular season in the minors, while he was one of three players alongside Abimelec Ortiz and Brady House to record two hits each in the win.
Cade Cavalli tossed eight strikeouts in four innings, yet the reason Cavalli lasted just four innings was after taking a comebacker off of his right ankle, leading him to exit the game with what the team described as right calf discomfort. With an update likely to come to fruition as early as Sunday, all eyes shift toward whether Cavalli makes his next start.
Yet he also exited the game with the Nationals ahead, 4-0, after a monster third inning was kicked off by a single from Abimelec Ortiz. Daylen Lile then drew a walk before an error allowed he and Jose Tena to cross the plate before consecutive hits from Brady House and Jorbit Vivas drove in two more runs.
Washington would maintain the lead until the seventh inning with Tom Cosgrove on the mound after giving up a single then walk with two outs, setting up a two run RBI that cut the lead in half. Blake Butera then turned to Brad Lord for the final out, yet two pitches later, a 398 foot home run would make it a brand new game once more.
The two teams remained tied to send the game into extra innings before Washington took control in the tenth. Jose Tena drew a six pitch walk with two outs, followed by a seven pitch walk for Daylen Lile to load the bases. Dylen Crews' clutch hit just beyond the second baseman's glove would be all that was needed to secure the win at home.
Washington, now sitting 65-73 overall, will now look to pick up the series win when the two teams meet at 12:15 PM on Sunday afternoon with Andrew Alvarez expected to take the mound.
