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Zimmerman, Dunn power Nationals past Marlins

Aug 31, 2010 - 6:02 AM MIAMI(AP) -- Ryan Zimmerman hit a ball about as far as he can remember.

His three-run home run along with a three-run homer by Adam Dunn powered the Washington Nationals to a 9-3 win over the Florida Marlins on Monday night in a game that's start was delayed nearly three hours by rain.

Zimmerman's blast off an Alex Sanabia (3-2) change-up in the third inning hit off the facing of the upperdeck in left field knocking out a light panel on the out-of-town scoreboard. His 25th homer gave the Nationals a 4-1 lead.

"That's probably about as good as I've seen him hit a ball," Nationals manager Jim Riggleman said.

Jason Marquis (1-7) won his first game in nearly a year pitching 5 2-3 innings and giving up three runs.

"It was a grind," Marquis said. "Obviously anytime you get a 'W', it's a good outing."

The game began with puddles throughout the outfield particularly in right field. Outfielders on both teams ran through them, slid on the wet grass, and even fielded ground balls that simply stopped well in front of them.

"I was thinking about how much water was going to be in my shoes," Nationals right fielder Michael Morse said. "I've never seen a field like that."

Dunn's three-run shot off Brian Sanches - his 33rd - extended the Nationals advantage to 8-3 in the seventh. He also hit an RBI double.

"When (Adam and I) get going and do what were supposed to do and drive guys in, obviously it helps our offense," Zimmerman said.

Hanley Ramirez and Brett Hayes homered for the Marlins. Sanabia allowed four runs in 5 2-3 innings.

The Marlins were plagued by sloppy defense committing two errors and throwing four wild pitches.

"It was an overall bad game," Marlins manager Edwin Rodriguez said. "We lacked clutch hitting, we played bad defense."

Notes: Marlins 2B Dan Uggla was scratched from the lineup with a strained right groin and is listed as day-to-day. It was the first game of the season he has missed after starting the first 129. ... Marquis had lost all seven of his previous starts this season and his last win came on Sept. 8, 2009. ... Marlins rookie Mike Stanton snapped an 0 for 31 slump with a single in the eighth.