WASHINGTON — Johnny Cueto, returning from a viral infection, hit four runs and Jake Burger hit two of four home runs for the Miami Marlins, who beat the Washington Nationals 11-5 on Saturday to fight for a third straight win and win. National League wild card.
The other Dominicans, Jesus Sanchez and Brian de la Cruz, each hit three home runs off starter Trevor Williams (6-9), who has allowed 33 homers. Burger’s two home runs since his arrival from the Chicago White Sox in an Aug. 1 trade have allowed him to reach 30 for the season.
Cueto (1-3) gave up two solo home runs over five innings. One from Lane Thomas in the sixth inning to end the Dominican’s performance after allowing three earned runs on 77 pitches.
The pitch count matched manager Skip Schumacher’s expectations for the 37-year-old pitcher, who was making his first start since Aug. 15.
Cueto received a lot of support from hitters.
For the Marlins, Venezuelan Luis Ares went 5-4 with a run scored and two RBIs. Cuba Yuli Kuriel 1-0. Dominicans De La Cruz went 5-4 with three runs scored and three RBIs while Sanchez went 5-3 with two runs scored and three RBIs.
On the national team, Iltemaro Vargas of Venezuela is 2-1. Joey Menezes of Mexico is 4-0.
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