Marlins Edge Nationals in Close Contest
Friday, August 21, 2026, 7:10 PM ET · loanDepot park
Miami Marlins 3, Washington Nationals 2, final. Our MLB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Washington Nationals vs Miami Marlins?
Miami Marlins beat Washington Nationals 3-2 at loanDepot park on August 21, 2026.
Who was favored in Washington Nationals vs Miami Marlins?
Miami Marlins were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -142 (about 59% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested game, the Miami Marlins triumphed over the Washington Nationals with a final score of 3-2 at loanDepot park. This victory allowed the Marlins to sweep the series, winning all three games against the Nationals. The match showcased both teams' efforts, but ultimately, the Marlins secured the win in the final innings.
The Marlins entered the game with a record of 65-64, while the Nationals were at 61-69. Recently, the Marlins had struggled, losing their last three games prior to this matchup, and they had a record of 5-5 over their last ten games. They averaged 4.8 runs scored and allowed 4.0 runs per game during that stretch. Their recent home performance had been mixed, with a home record of 3-1 in their last four games. In contrast, the Nationals had a record of 4-6 in their last ten games, with their most recent outing resulting in a decisive 6-0 victory against the Texas Rangers. They averaged 4.8 runs scored and 4.1 runs allowed during that period, but their away record had been poor, going 1-4 in their last five away games.
The game featured a few notable scoring plays. In the sixth inning, Keibert Ruiz of the Nationals hit a home run to right field, giving Washington a 1-0 lead. However, the Marlins responded in the eighth inning with a series of hits, including a single by Sanoja that brought Marsee home, leveling the score at 1-1. Shortly after, Lopez's single allowed Sanoja to score, putting the Marlins ahead 2-1. The Nationals fought back in the ninth inning when Lile singled to left, scoring Young and tying the game at 2-2. However, the Marlins clinched the game in the bottom of the ninth when Sanoja's single brought Ramírez home, sealing the 3-2 victory.
In terms of injuries, the Marlins had several players affected, including Owen Caissie and Kyle Stowers, who were both listed as day-to-day with neck and hamstring issues, respectively. Additionally, Anthony Bender and Xavier Edwards were on the injured list, while Pete Fairbanks was also sidelined. The Nationals had Keibert Ruiz listed as day-to-day due to a head injury, while Richard Lovelady, Josiah Gray, DJ Herz, and Drew Millas were all on the 60-day injured list.
The betting market reflected Miami as the favorite, with DraftKings setting the odds at MIA -142, indicating a strong belief in their chances to win. The spread was -1.5, and the total for the game was set at 7.5, with the over at -117 and the under at -103.
Conditions at the park were conducive to baseball, and fans witnessed a competitive game that kept them on the edge of their seats. The Marlins' ability to capitalize on key moments in the late innings proved crucial to their success. The matchup highlighted the resilience of the Marlins, who, despite their recent struggles, managed to pull through in a critical game against a division rival.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MIA -142 | 7.5 o -117 / u -103 | Washington Nationals +132 · Miami Marlins -142 |
Injury report
- Owen CaissieDay-To-DayNeckMiami Marlins
- Kyle StowersDay-To-DayHamstringMiami Marlins
- Anthony Bender15-Day-ILLower LegMiami Marlins
- Xavier Edwards10-Day-ILThumbMiami Marlins
- Pete Fairbanks15-Day-ILHandMiami Marlins
- Keibert RuizDay-To-DayHeadWashington Nationals
- Richard Lovelady60-Day-ILTricepsWashington Nationals
- Josiah Gray60-Day-ILElbowWashington Nationals
- DJ Herz60-Day-ILElbowWashington Nationals
- Drew Millas60-Day-ILFingerWashington Nationals
Recent form
Miami Marlins
Last 10: 5-5Streak L34.8 scored · 4 allowed per game3-1 at home
- L1-4at Philadelphia PhilliesAug 19
- L4-6at Philadelphia PhilliesAug 18
- L5-6at Philadelphia PhilliesAug 17
- W7-1at Cincinnati RedsAug 16
- W8-4at Cincinnati RedsAug 15
- L0-1at Cincinnati RedsAug 14
- L1-13vs Pittsburgh PiratesAug 13
- W8-2vs Pittsburgh PiratesAug 12
- W2-0vs Pittsburgh PiratesAug 11
- W12-3vs Los Angeles AngelsAug 9
Washington Nationals
Last 10: 4-6Streak W14.8 scored · 4.1 allowed per game1-4 away
- W6-0at Texas RangersAug 20
- L0-5at Texas RangersAug 19
- L3-4at New York MetsAug 16
- L4-5at New York MetsAug 15
- L1-4at New York MetsAug 14
- W7-0vs Chicago CubsAug 13
- L6-12vs Chicago CubsAug 12
- L6-8vs Chicago CubsAug 11
- W7-1vs Cincinnati RedsAug 9
- W8-2vs Cincinnati RedsAug 8
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | - | 57 | W1 | .593 | 83 |
| Philadelphia | 4 | 61 | L1 | .564 | 79 |
| Miami | 12.5 | 70 | L1 | .504 | 71 |
| Washington | 17 | 75 | L1 | .472 | 67 |
| New York | 20 | 77 | W1 | .450 | 63 |
How the scoring went
- 6th Inning1-0Ruiz homered to right (388 feet).
- 8th Inning1-1Sanoja singled to right, Marsee scored.
- 8th Inning1-2Lopez singled to right, Sanoja scored.
- 9th Inning2-2Lile singled to left, Young scored, Lile to second.
- 9th Inning2-3Sanoja singled to center, Ramírez scored, Marsee to second, Ruiz to third.
Win probability
Above the line favours Miami Marlins, below favours Washington Nationals.
Venue
- loanDepot parkMiami, Florida
- Attendance13941
- OfficialsRob Drake, D.J. Reyburn, Stu Scheurwater, Steven Jaschinski
Elsewhere
- Fantasy baseball news and notes: Rutschman's remarkable return and more for Friday
- Fantasy Baseball Forecaster Playoff Round 1, Week 2: Sept. 7-13
- Will Shohei Ohtani pitch in October? 5 questions for Los Angeles Dodgers
- Fantasy baseball forecaster: Team hitting ratings
- Fantasy baseball forecaster: Pitcher projections for the next 10 days
- Fantasy Baseball Reliever Depth Chart
Picks for MLB
MLB rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Nationals Secure Series Win Over MarlinsAug 31, 2026
- Marlins Triumph Over Nationals in Series FinaleAug 30, 2026
- Nationals Edge Marlins in Extra-Inning ThrillerAug 29, 2026
- Nationals Dominate Marlins 9-2 at HomeAug 28, 2026
- Marlins Complete Sweep Over Nationals with 6-2 WinAug 23, 2026