Turner works long at-bat to plate Gomes for the walk off winner 3-2

After Wander Suero blew a save in the eighth, the Nationals found a way to win the game anyway, scoring a run in the bottom of the ninth thanks to an outstanding at-bat from Trea Turner.

With two outs, Turner's double to the right-center field gap scored Yan Gomes from first base and the Nats walked off the Marlins 3-2 at Nationals Park.

The Nats have won four straight over the Fish and 11 of their last 14 overall to go two games above .500 (43-41) for the first time this season. Juan Soto hit a two-run shot early on, his 15th homer of the season.

Turner delivered his third walk-off gem of the season, facing off against Marlins reliever José Quijada. With one out, Gomes had reached first base on a fielding error by Neil Walker. Pinch-hitter Brian Dozier hit a fly ball for the second out.

Turner battled to a full count. That proved to be big, because when Turner connected on the 10th pitch of the at-bat, a 93.6 mph four-seam fastball, Gomes was off and running.

The 31-year-old catcher scored all the way from first base. And the Nats had another win, their sixth in the last seven games.

"I'm very happy the count was 3-2," said Nationals skipper Davey Martinez. "There was no doubt. Even if it wasn't, Bob was going to send him anyway."

Turner made Quijada labor for the entire at-bat, fouling off fastballs and changeups until he got a pitch he could drive.

"I think the longer the at-bat goes, you start thinking more, and trying to outsmart him and really you still got to put the bat on the ball," Turner said. "Just like any other at-bat, so right there I'm glad I saw a few more pitches, just 'cause it's the first time facing him."

Martinez gave credit to Turner for sticking in the at-bat, despite a rough couple of at-bats the last few games. Turner had started the Tigers series 0-for-9 before getting a single in his first at-bat on his birthday Sunday.

"That was one of the better at-bats he's had as of late," Martinez said. "But we've all seen Trea do that kind of stuff. Since he's been back from his injury, we've actually took off. He's a big reason why we're doing well."

Gomes got a bit of a head start, but it still was going to be tough for him to score from first base. Third base coach Bob Henley waved him around third base to go for home. Gomes slid in before the throw arrived, and the celebration erupted on the field with his teammates.

Gomes was hoping Turner would make it easy on him with a home run.

"Hit it over the fence," Gomes said with a laugh. "Me and (first base coach Tim) Bogar were kind of talking about it. He joked about like, a single, you've got to score on it. I'm like 'Man, he's got to hit it really far.' And then when he got to 3-2 ...

"I got a head start and it was, like, exactly where he needed to hit it for me to be able to score," Gomes continued. "You kind of just put your head down and run as fast as you can, and it's an exciting time."

Did Turner think he had to hit a triple or a homer to score Gomes from first base?

"I wasn't thinking about that," Turner said. "I was thinking about how we could win the game and stop playing baseball for a little bit and go home and get some rest for tomorrow. It was good to get the win, and glad (Gomes) got a head start."

Gomes said he was going to go whether Henley waved him in or not.

"Yeah, check the outfielders and see where they're at," Gomes said. "They had the gap open and I'm going, 'He hit it really well.' It's going to reach the wall and I know, if anything, I'm making a really hard turn to third trying to ... he's probably going to send me anyways. Two outs, might as well go, hopefully something happens there."

Turner knew his 1-for-4 night wasn't what he had scripted. But getting another shot to make a difference is all a hitter hopes for in the end.

"For me, I think it's just a matter of putting a good swing on the ball and trying to do the same thing in first four at-bats," Turner said. "Do it in the fifth at-bat and kind of continue that, and kind of pass it off to the next guy.

"Something I learned, 'Try not to be the hero, just be a soldier kind of deal,'" Turner said. "I feel like when you have that mentality you have a little bit more success in those situations. Try to get the bat to (Adam) Eaton and see what happens."