WAS 3, MIA 7; Marlins homer twice in win over Nationals

JUPITER, Fla.—The Miami Marlins returned from their day off with a comfortable win over the Washington Nationals. It was #NocheDeSixto as Sixto Sánchez pitched well while continuing to increase his pitch count. The Marlins also received some great production from their starting position players including two home runs.

The Fish had their top pitching prospect on the mound making his third start this Spring Training. Sánchez had another good outing as he gets closer to be 100% ready for the regular season.

Sánchez pitched 3 ¹⁄₃ innings allowing three hits, one run, one walk and three strikeouts. Sixto threw 61 pitches with 45 of them being strikes. He has his fastball going for him in this game as he was sitting in the upper 90s and even topped out at 101 mph according to Statcast.

Submarine right-hander Adam Cimber came in relief of Sánchez and was able to record to final two outs without allowing another run to come across.

Nick Neidert followed Cimber and had his biggest workload this Spring Training. Neidert threw four innings allowing three hits, one run, one walk and five strikeouts. The 24-year old right-hander has definitely made a case for him to be on the Marlins Opening Day roster. Neidert has a 2.84 ERA in 12 ²⁄₃ innings pitched.

Relief pitcher John Curtiss came in the top of the ninth to close the game for the Fish. Curtiss had some control issues but the Marlins were able to secure the win. Curtiss threw one inning allowing one hit, one run, one hit by pitch and two strikeouts. Curtiss sat in the low 90s and touched 94 mph a couple times in his one inning of work.

The Marlins offense had a big day at the plate as they scored seven runs on nine hits. Shortstop Miguel Rojas had his best game this spring as he went 3-for-3 with a solo home run and two RBIs.Outfielder Garrett Cooper also homered in the game as he improves his Spring Training batting average to .382. Top prospect Jazz Chisholm had three great at-bats as he went 1-for-1 with an opposite-field single and two walks. Chisholm also stole three games in the game, boosting his Grapefruit League total to four (tied with Jon Berti for most on the Fish).

Jesús Aguilar continues to stay hot this spring as he went 1-for-3 with a two-run single into left field. Lewis Brinson doubled to left field as he’s starting to heat up as we get closer to Opening Day.

What’s next?

The Miami Marlins will hit the road Friday night to take on the Houston Astros at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. The Marlins have young left-handed pitching prospect Trevor Rogers on the mound. The Astros will have veteran right-handed pitcher Zack Greinke as their starting pitcher.

Rogers has been pretty solid this spring as he has a 2-0 record and 4.05 ERA in 13 ¹⁄₃ innings pitched. Greinke has also looked good this spring with a 2.16 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in three starts. First pitch is at 6:05 pm EST.