Thompson strikes out 11, Marlins beat Nationals 3-2

MIAMI (AP) — Rookie Zach Thompson struck out 11 in six innings, helping the Miami Marlins beat Kyle Schwarber and the Washington Nationals 3-2 on Saturday.

Thompson (2-2) held Schwarber in check while allowing two runs and three hits in his fourth major league start. Anthony Bender and Dylan Floro each got three outs before Yimi García earned his 12th save in 15 chances, working around Josh Harrison’s leadoff single in the ninth.

“As long as I can keep going and keep us in a good spot to win a game, that’s really important for me,” Thompson siad. “Hopefully, six innings can kind of be a normal for me, and I can go even longer.”

Schwarber, who had homered in 13 of his last 14 games, struck out looking in the first and third against Thompson. He walked in the fifth, grounded out in the seventh and struck out again in the ninth.

“We have had our problems in the one-run games, not being able to get the big hit or giving up the run,” Miami manager Don Mattingly said. “It feels good to get a win here today.”

Thompson’s 11 strikeouts were the most at home by a Miami pitcher since José Fernández fanned 11 against the Nationals in his final start on Sept. 20, 2016.

“It’s really fun to do,” Thompson said of his accomplishment. “I’m just glad I was able to put my team in a winning situation.”

Jon Berti hit a leadoff homer in the fifth to give the Marlins a 3-2 lead. Berti drove Patrick Corbin’s 2-0 pitch over the wall in right for his fourth homer of the season.

“I got the pitch I wanted and put a good swing on it,” Berti said.

Corbin (5-6) was lifted for a pinch hitter in the seventh. The left-hander allowed five hits and struck out six.

The Nationals were 1 for 9 with runners in scoring position. They had a chance to tie it in...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Thompson-strikes-out-11-Marlins-beat-Nationals-16276755.php