The Miami Marlins picked up a Memorial Day victory over the Washington Nationals on Monday in a 3-2 game.
Donning patriotic uniforms, the Marlins moved 1.5 games ahead of the Nationals with the win. It was only the seventh road victory of the year for Miami. That win total is no longer the worst in Major League Baseball. After holding that position for most of the season, Miami is now second to the Pittsburgh Pirates in terms of road futility.
Nathan Eovaldi pitched into the seventh inning but was lifted with left-handed bats due up. Eovaldi ended up with 6.1 innings pitched in which he allowed two runs on three hits. The right-hander struck out five and only walked one. His ERA on the season now sits at 3.36.
Mike Dunn took over in the seventh and retired the only two batters he opposed. A.J. Ramos pitched a 1-2-3 eighth to earn a hold and set things up for Steve Cishek. The closer had a perfect inning of his own for his 11th save of the season.
Giancarlo Stanton had a big day, which included his 15th home run of the year. The blast was part of a three-hit day for the slugger. Stanton had two runs batted in to give him a season total of 49. No Marlin has ever had 50 RBI before June 1st and Stanton has a good opportunity to be the first.
Casey McGehee brought home his 31st run of the season as well. The third baseman continues to excel with runners in scoring position. McGehee's production has led to Stanton seeing better pitches ahead of him.
The Marlins and Nationals will go at it again on Tuesday with Henderson Alvarez slated to make the start for Miami.
