Nationals 4 - 3 Marlins
Final
  for this game

Nats halt Miami's win streak at six

Jul 30, 2014 - 10:26 PM Miami, FL (SportsNetwork.com) - Ian Desmond's two-run double in the eighth inning was the difference, as Washington claimed a 4-3 victory on Wednesday, putting an end to Miami's six-game win streak in the finale of a three-game series.

Jayson Werth and Anthony Rendon added an RBI each, while Denard Span walked twice and scored two runs for the Nationals, who avoided a sweep but nearly coughed up a three-run edge in the bottom of the ninth inning.

Tanner Roark (11-6) held the opposition to a run on three hits with seven strikeouts and a pair of walks over seven full innings. Drew Storen eventually claimed his first save of the season, but not before allowing a solo homer to Giancarlo Stanton and an RBI double from Adeiny Hechavarria.

"It's not always pretty, but the important thing is that it got done. That's all that matters," Storen said.

Jordany Valdespin hit a solo homer for the Marlins, who tasted defeat for the first time since July 23 at Atlanta. Brad Hand (2-3) was charged with five hits and three runs over seven-plus frames in defeat.

In the eighth against Hand, pinch-hitter Scott Hairston doubled and Span added a bunt single which put runners on the corners. A.J. Ramos entered and got Rendon to line out after Span stole second, but gave up a go-ahead sacrifice fly to Werth. Span went to third on a wild pitch, Adam LaRoche walked and swiped second, and Desmond smacked a two-run double to make it 4-1.

Stanton greeted Storen with his 24th homer of the season, reaching the bullpen in right. Marcell Ozuna kept his club alive with a two-out infield single, then Hechavarria plated him with a softly-hit double up the first-base line.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia drew a walk, but pinch-hitter Reed Johnson hit into a game-ending fielder's choice from third to second.

"It was great to see us come back and put some pressure on them late," noted Stanton. "I really did envision us tying that game up."

Rendon's double in the first scored Span with the game's first run, after the latter walked and stole second.

Valdespin tied things in the fourth, with a homer to right which landed in the second deck.

Game Notes

Roark matched a season best by winning his fourth consecutive start, matching a feat first performed from June 6-22 ... Miami has taken a 6-5 lead in the season series, with the next meeting between the clubs scheduled for south Florida between Sept. 18-21 ... Prior to the contest, the Marlins recalled infielder Ed Lucas from Triple-A New Orleans after optioning outfielder Jake Marisnick to New Orleans following Tuesday night's contest.






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