In a thrilling Friday night showdown, the Washington Nationals edged out the Miami Marlins 3-2, thanks to a standout performance from pitcher Foster Griffin and a clutch home run from Jacob Young. Griffin delivered his best outing of the season, fanning a career-high nine batters over seven innings while allowing just two runs—one earned—in the first frame. After that early hiccup, he locked in, retiring his final eight hitters and striking out five to keep the Marlins at bay.
The Nationals wasted no time taking control, jumping on Marlins debutant Robby Snelling with a three-run first inning. CJ Abrams singled home a run, and Young followed with a powerful two-run homer, setting the tone early. Abrams also walked and drove in a run, while Curtis Mead contributed a double and two walks. Nasim Nuñez added a single, a walk, and two stolen bases, extending his major league-leading total to 16 swipes—a stat that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
Miami fought back in the bottom of the first, with Xavier Edwards launching a solo homer and Otto López scoring on a throwing error by Mead at first base. López, who had three of Miami's five hits, extended his hitting streak to 11 games, showing consistent firepower. But Griffin's dominance after the first inning proved too much to overcome.
Brad Lord came on in relief and retired five straight batters before a throwing error by Abrams put Javier Sanoja on base. PJ Poulin then stepped in, walking a pinch-hitter but striking out Leo Jimenez to notch his second career save and first of the season.
Snelling, the 23-year-old prospect acquired from San Diego in 2024, struggled in his major league debut, allowing three runs on six hits over five innings with four walks. Despite his rocky start, the left-hander showed flashes of the talent that made him the Marlins' second-rated pitching prospect.
Looking ahead, the Nationals will send right-hander Zack Littell (1-4, 7.24 ERA) to the mound on Saturday, facing off against Miami's Janson Junk (2-3, 2.82). With the series tied, expect another battle under the lights.