Robles connects on first major league homer (Nats fall 8-5)

MIAMI - The wait for Victor Robles' first career homer is over after the Nationals center fielder crushed a Trevor Richards offering deep over the left-center field wall in the third. The blast bounced just to let of the 427-foot walkway above the orange-painted back outfield wall.

Two batters later, Anthony Rendon tucked a line drive two-run shot just inside the left field foul pole. The Nats ended up with three runs in the third.

The Nats had jumped ahead of Miami on the first thanks to a bases-loaded grounder off the bat of Spencer Kieboom to third base that was mishandled by third baseman Brian Anderson. The error allowed Rendon to score.

Right-hander Erick Fedde allowed a ground rule double by Peter O'Brien in the second, but then recorded three outs in a row. The Marlins went three up, three down in the first. Fedde has struck out at least one batter in each inning.

After three frames in Little Havana, the Nats lead 4-0 over the Marlins.

Update: Fedde got into the fifth before allowing two walks and then a Starlin Castro two-run double. Justin Miller came in and struck out two to end the threat, leaving Castro stranded at second base.

Fedde lasted 4 1/3 innings, surrendering two earned runs on two hits with four walks and six strikeouts. He threw 93 pitches, 51 for strikes.

After five innings, the Nats lead the Marlins 4-2.

Update II: The Nats lead evaporated in the sixth thanks to four consecutive singles off of reliever Jimmy Cordero. The big hit a two-run single from light-hitting Magneuris Sierra. A balk by Wander Suero allowed another run to score. Castro's deep drive to center field was caught against the wall by Robles otherwise the inning would have completely unraveled.

Even still the Marlins plate three huge runs and lead 5-4 over the Nats after six innings.

Update III: In the seventh, pinch-hitter Adam Eaton walked against reliever Drew Rucinski. Two batters later, Robles drilled a single to right. Trea Turner's fielder's choice to second base scored Eaton.

Mid-seventh, the Nats tied the game 5-5 with the Marlins.

Update IV: Koda Glover struggled to find the strike zone to begin the seventh, allowing a single and two walks, then another single. Lewis Brinson's RBI single gave the Marlins the lead back. Miguel Rojas added another run with a sacrifice fly to center field.

During innings one through four, the Marlins had three baserunners. In innings five through seven, they enjoyed 12 baserunners.

After seven innings, the Marlins lead 7-5.

Update V: Reliever Austen Williams allowed Castro's solo shot in the eighth. Castro has two extra base hits and three RBIs.

After eight innings, the Marlins lead 8-5.

Update VI: Facing Adam Conley in the ninth, the Nats went quietly.

Final score: Marlins 8, Nats 5.