The eighth inning changed everything. Miami trailed by nothing, tied at two, then exploded for three runs to defeat Washington 5-2 at loanDepot park.
Sandy Alcantara anchored the victory with six innings of two-run ball, allowing five hits while striking out three. The right-hander carried a 4.06 ERA into the contest and worked around two walks to keep Miami within striking distance.
The decisive rally began when Morel singled to center, bringing Ruiz home to break the 2-2 deadlock. Two batters later, Hernández delivered the knockout blow with a single to left that scored both Marsee and Morel, extending the lead to 5-2.
Washington starter Cade Cavalli matched Alcantara through 5.2 innings, allowing four hits and two runs while striking out four. But reliever Gus Varland absorbed the loss after surrendering three runs in just one-third of an inning, walking two and allowing two hits before recording a single out.
Miami improved to 18-22 and snapped a losing streak. Washington fell to 19-21 after the defeat.