The Washington Nationals dropped a 6-2 decision to the Miami Marlins on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at loanDepot park in a division matchup that wasn't particularly close. Jackson Kent took the loss after allowing three earned runs in 4.2 innings, and the offense managed just two runs on the night. The four-run margin told a straightforward story: Miami pitched better, hit when it counted, and Washington couldn't generate enough offensively to stay in the game.

Jackson Kent Struggles to Carry Washington Into the Middle Innings

Kent, who drew the start for Washington, had a rough go of it. He went 4.2 innings, gave up four hits and three walks, and allowed three earned runs while striking out five. The walk total was the real issue — six free passes across 4.2 innings from a starter puts the defense in a constant grind, and Miami made Washington pay. Trevor Williams took over from Kent and didn't fare any better, surrendering two earned runs in 2.1 innings with three more walks and three strikeouts. Max Kranick closed out the ninth but allowed two hits and an earned run in a single inning of work.

Collectively, Washington's pitching staff issued six walks on the night. Against any team, that kind of generosity is a recipe for trouble. Against a division opponent you need to beat, it's especially costly.

Miami's Bullpen Shut Washington Down After the Fifth

Miami starter Janson Junk was effective early, working 4.2 innings and allowing just two hits and one earned run while walking no one and striking out two. The Marlins bullpen then held things together from there. Michael Petersen — who earned the win — worked a clean 0.1 innings with a strikeout and no earned runs. Calvin Faucher allowed one earned run in one inning, and Jack Ralston was the standout arm out of the Miami 'pen, throwing two scoreless innings on two hits with two strikeouts and no walks. Pete Fairbanks handled the ninth with a strikeout and no damage.

Washington's hitters had no answer for the combination of Junk's efficiency early and the Miami relievers' effectiveness late. The Nationals managed just two runs total, and the offense never found a way to string together enough production to threaten the lead.

Dylan Crews Provided Washington's Best Offensive Showing

If there was a bright spot for the Nationals offensively, it was Dylan Crews. The outfielder went 2-for-4 with an RBI, accounting for a significant portion of Washington's offensive output on the night. Crews made contact, drove in a run, and gave Washington's lineup something to build around — even if the team couldn't capitalize on it as a whole.

Beyond Crews, the box score was quiet. With just two runs scored and the offense unable to generate sustained pressure against Miami's pitching, Washington's lineup left plenty of opportunity on the table.

Turning Point: Washington's Walk Problem in the Middle Innings

The turning point wasn't a single swing or a dramatic moment — it was the accumulating damage done by Washington's inability to throw strikes. Kent's three walks in 4.2 innings, followed by Williams' three more in 2.1 innings, kept Miami's offense in business throughout the night. Free baserunners turned into runs, and the Nationals never had enough of a cushion to absorb those mistakes.

What's Next for Washington

The Nationals will look to respond in their next series after dropping this division contest to Miami. Cleaning up the walk totals from the starting rotation and getting more offensive support behind the starter will be the immediate priorities heading into the week.

  • Jackson Kent (L): 4.2 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
  • Trevor Williams: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
  • Max Kranick: 1.0 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
  • Dylan Crews: 2-for-4, 1 RBI
  • Final: Miami 6, Washington 2