A tied game turned into an eighth-inning ambush—and Miami suddenly has momentum again.
Christopher Morel’s go-ahead single and Heriberto Hernández’s two-run blast in the eighth inning gave Miami the series win — and a statement victory to close out the homestand.
Quick Recap
The Miami Marlins needed a spark, and they found it. Locked in a 2-2 tie with the Washington Nationals, Miami’s offense came alive in the eighth inning, scoring three runs to secure a 5-2 victory and a series win.
The game-changer? Christopher Morel’s bloop single to center that broke the tie, followed by a clutch two-run single from Heriberto Hernández to seal the deal.
How It Happened
- Early Lead: Miami struck first in the third inning with an RBI single and a Washington error, taking a 2-0 lead.
- Washington’s Response: The Nationals tied it up by the fifth, thanks to a triple and RBI groundout from Luis García Jr., who finished 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI.
- Eighth-Inning Eruption: Back-to-back walks set the stage for Miami’s late rally. After a double steal, Morel’s single gave the Marlins the lead, and Hernández’s two-run knock put the game out of reach.
Pitching Highlights
| Pitcher | Team | Decision | IP | ER | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sandy Alcantara | MIA | — | 5.0+ | 2 | Solid start, left with tie |
| Calvin Faucher | MIA | W (4-2) | 2.0 | 0 | Dominant in relief |
| Cade Cavalli | WSH | — | 5.2 | 2 | Struggled with control |
| Gus Varland | WSH | L (0-1) | 0.1 | 3 | Eighth-inning collapse |
The Takeaway
The Marlins’ eighth-inning heroics showcased the team’s grit and versatility. With two double steals and clutch hitting, Miami reminded everyone they can win in different ways.
The victory gives Miami a key series win and momentum heading into the next stretch of their homestand. For a team still finding its footing in 2026, this was the kind of resilient baseball that can spark a turnaround.
Next up: Miami stays home to kick off a new week and continue building on Sunday’s success.
Sources
ESPN: “Marlins 5-2 Nationals (May 10, 2026) Final Score”
