Ryan Weathers, appearing in his first MLB game since June 7, pitched five strong innings to lead the host Miami Marlins over the Washington Nationals 5-0 on Thursday night.

Eric Wagaman was the hitting star, going 3-for-4 with three RBIs for Miami (68-79).

Weathers (2-1) had been out due to a strained left lat. He allowed five hits, struck out four and did not issue a walk over 68 pitches.

Miami relievers Tyler Phillips (two innings); Ronny Henriquez (one inning) and Michael Petersen (one inning) kept Washington off the board.

The teams split a four-game set, with the Marlins winning the season series 7-6.

For the Nationals (60-86), MacKenzie Gore (5-14) took the loss in his first start since Aug. 26 after battling a shoulder issue. Gore, who is 0-3 in four career starts in Miami, went five innings, allowing four hits, two walks and two runs on 78 pitches.

Miami got to Gore in the first inning, starting the rally with singles from its first two batters, Xavier Edwards and Agustin Ramirez. Heriberto Hernandez cashed in with a sacrifice fly and Wagaman added a two-out RBI single to make it 2-0.

Washington threatened in the third, putting runners on the corners with two outs on singles by Jacob Young and Dylan Crews. However, Weathers struck out Riley Adams, who swung at a 99-mph fastball at the top of the zone.

Washington’s Daylen Lile and Andres Chaparro opened the fourth with singles, but Brady House bounced into a double play and the rally fizzled.

Miami extended its lead to 5-0 in the eighth. Jakob Marsee hit a leadoff double and Hernandez drew a walk. Wagaman followed with a two-run double that escaped the diving attempt of left fielder Lile. Joey Wiemer capped the rally with a sacrifice fly.

–Field Level Media