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Nationals edge Marlins, earn NL’s No. 2 seed
- Updated: October 2, 2016
WASHINGTON — With the Dodgers having lost to the Giants on Saturday, the Nationals didn’t have to win to clinch home-field advantage in the National League Division Series. But behind Tanner Roark and Trea Turner, Washington earned a 2-1 victory over the Marlins at Nationals Park.
The Nationals seized the lead quickly on Bryce Harper’s RBI single in the first inning, then added a run when Turner homered in the fifth. Miami threatened throughout the early innings but couldn’t break through against Roark. The Marlins pushed across a run in the sixth before Washington’s bullpen shut it down over the final three frames, with Mark Melancon securing a four-out save.
Marlins starter Wei-Yin Chen was solid over five innings, striking out five but allowing six hits, including two to Turner. Chris Johnson drove in Miami’s lone run with a single in the sixth inning.
With the loss, the Marlins (79-81) clinched their seventh straight sub-.500 season. The Marlins will play 161 games this season, because their Sept. 25 contest against the Braves was cancelled due to the death of All-Star pitcher Jose Fernandez.
MOMENTS THAT MATTEREDRoark finishes strong: The right-hander has been an unsung hero all season as he earned his career-high 16th victory. Roark allowed only three hits and one run in 5 2/3 innings. He struggled slightly with his command, walking four, but pitched out of jams in the first three innings. Roark ends …