Robby Snelling arrived. The Marlins fought back. But Foster Griffin was simply too good on Friday night.
Quick Summary — For Fast Readers
- Robby Snelling debuts: The 23-year-old lefty showed flashes of brilliance despite a rocky first inning in his MLB debut.
- Foster Griffin dominates: The Nationals’ left-hander shut down Miami after a shaky start, striking out nine over seven innings.
- López and Nuñez shine in defeat: Otto López extended his hitting streak to 11 games, and Nasim Nuñez added two more stolen bases to his league-leading total.
The Damage: A Three-Run First That Decided Everything
The night began with electric anticipation as Robby Snelling, the Marlins’ second-ranked pitching prospect, took the mound for his Major League debut. The 23-year-old southpaw looked poised early, striking out James Wood and Brady House with sharp curveballs.
But the Nationals pounced with two outs in the first inning. CJ Abrams delivered an RBI single on a first-pitch curveball, and Jacob Young followed with a two-run homer to center field. Just like that, Washington led 3-0.
That three-run first inning proved to be the difference.
Snelling’s final line: 5 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 4 BB, 2 K. While he only managed two strikeouts — both in the opening frame — there were positives. After the rocky start, Snelling settled in and delivered four scoreless innings to keep the Marlins in the game.
Acquired in a 2024 trade with the Padres for reliever Tanner Scott, Snelling has been on a fast track to the big leagues ever since. He dominated in the minors, earning his call-up from Triple-A Jacksonville after posting a 2.45 ERA in seven starts. Friday night was just the beginning of what the Marlins hope will be a long and successful career.
The Fight Back: Miami Made It Interesting
The Marlins didn’t go quietly after falling behind 3-0 in the first inning.
Xavier Edwards gave Miami an immediate spark, launching a solo home run in the bottom of the first to cut the deficit to 3-1. Moments later, Otto López doubled and scored on a throwing error by Nationals first baseman Curtis Mead, who mishandled a grounder from Kyle Stowers.
Suddenly, it was 3-2, and the crowd at loanDepot Park came alive.
But that was all Miami could muster. Nationals starter Foster Griffin shook off the shaky first inning and proceeded to dominate, retiring eight straight batters to close his outing. Griffin finished with a career-high nine strikeouts over seven innings, improving to 4-1 on the season.
The Nationals bullpen took it from there, with Brad Lord and PJ Poulin combining for two scoreless innings. Poulin earned his first save of 2026, closing the door on Miami in the ninth.
The Bright Spots: López and Nuñez Steal the Show
Even in a frustrating loss, two Marlins stood out.
- Otto López: The second baseman continued his torrid stretch at the plate, going 3-for-4 and extending his hitting streak to 11 games. López has been a model of consistency in a lineup that has struggled to find its rhythm this season.
- Nasim Nuñez: The speedster added two more stolen bases to his league-leading total, bringing his season tally to 16. Nuñez’s elite baserunning has been one of the few constants for Miami during this rough stretch.
What’s Next: Saturday’s Pitching Matchup
The Marlins have a golden opportunity to bounce back Saturday.
The Nationals will send Zack Littell (1-4, 7.24 ERA) to the mound, a pitcher who has been one of the most hittable starters in the league this season. Miami counters with Janson Junk (2-3, 2.82 ERA), who has quietly become one of the bright spots in the Marlins’ rotation.
With a 2-6 record on their current homestand and a 17-22 overall mark, the Marlins can’t afford to let winnable games slip away. Saturday could be the reset they desperately need.
Friday night was a tough loss, but there were silver linings. Robby Snelling showed the potential that makes him one of Miami’s most exciting young arms. Otto López continued his hitting streak, and Nasim Nuñez reminded everyone why he’s the fastest man in baseball.
The Marlins are still searching for consistency, and the clock is ticking on their season. Saturday’s game against Washington could be the turning point — but only if Miami takes advantage.
Sources
- ESPN: Griffin Strikes Out Season-High 9 and Young Homers to Lead Nationals Past Marlins 3-2 (May 8, 2026)
