Castro, Sierra key Marlins surge

Miami’s run output highest since Aug. 22

MIAMI — Runs haven’t come easy for the Marlins this month — or this season for that matter — but their bats came alive on Monday night against Nationals.

Kicking off its final homestand of the season, Miami scored its most runs since Aug. 22, topping Washington, 8-5, in the series opener.

Starlin Castro went 2 for 4 with a home run and three RBI, while Magneuris Sierra finished 1 for 3 with two RBI. Lewis Brinson and Miguel Rojas each drove in runs as well.

Jarlin Garcia picked up the win in relief, pitching 1⁄3 of an inning.

Marlins starter Trevor Richards picked up a no-decision on the night, allowing four earned runs on five hits and one walk in five innings. The rookie also struck out six.

After taking a 1-0 lead in the second on a throwing error, the Nationals tacked on three more on the third. Highly-touted prospect Victor Robles belted a 427-foot solo home run — the first of his career — to extend the Nationals lead to 2-0.

Washington continued with the long ball three batters later as Anthony Rendon crushed a two-run shot to left, giving the

Nationals a 4-0 lead.

The Marlins struck back in the fifth inning, courtesy of Castro. With two runners on, the second baseman delivered a two-run double — his 31st of the season — scoring Austin Dean and Sierra to cut the lead in half.

The ensuing inning, Sierra contributed once again — this time driving in a pair of runners. The rookie outfielder ripped a single to right, bringing home Brinson and Rojas to even the game 4-4. The Marlins took their first lead of the game one batter later, as Dean scored on a balk, giving Miami a 5-4 advantage.

The lead wouldn’t last long, however, as Park Vista High School alum Trea Turner delivered an RBI groundout in the 7th to even the game, 5-5.

Brinson and Rojas then pushed the Marlins back for good with RBI base knocks in the seventh.