The Miami Marlins fell to the Washington Nationals by a final score of 4-2 on Wednesday in a game started by Wei-Yin Chen.

The loss was the third straight for Miami which had been playing well prior to the skid. The Marlins are now 5-8 on the spring and right in the middle of the Grapefruit League standings. With about half of the schedule remaining, Miami will likely use its regulars more often going forward.

Chen shut the Nationals out for the first two innings before allowing four runs in the third inning alone. The lefty ended up surrendering seven hits and picked up a strike out. Chen did not walk any in the four frames, which is an encouraging sign of control in the spring.

Following Chen on the mound was Jarred Cosart who is vying for a rotation spot. The right-hander did well with three shutout innings. Cosart allowed only a pair of hits and walked one while striking out another. In the spring, Cosart owns a 0.00 E.R.A and is a leading contender for the fourth or fifth slot in the rotation.

For a second straight day, Dee Gordon tripled and also scored a run. Gordon has his average all the way up to .292 after beginning March in a slump. Miami's lead-off man led all of the National League in hitting in 2015, and will need another strong season to keep his team in contention.

Bench hopeful Destin Hood doubled for the second time this spring and is hitting .357. Hood is looking to be a pinch-hitter and extra outfielder for Miami, but is facing an up-hill battle. The 25-year old is likely destined for stint in AAA New Orleans to begin the season.

Miami will host the New York Mets for the third time in a week on Thursday at Roger Dean Stadium.