Soto leads Nats to 16-game homer streak, plus Taylor update

The Nationals have now hit a homer in 16 consecutive games, setting a new club record. The 1999 Expos also hit a home run in 16 straight games.

Juan Soto's two-run shot in the first inning gave the Nats a 2-1 lead. It was his 15th homer of the season. Last year, he hit 22 home runs.

The Nats have combined to hit 28 homers in those 16 games. Soto had a homer and a triple in his first two at-bats.

"All the guys, they're hitting the ball hard," said Nationals manager Davey Martinez. "The thing I like about Juan's at-bats today is that he stayed on the ball really well. He hit a breaking ball for a triple. Hit a changeup to left field, line drive. And when he does that, that definitely tells me he's staying behind the baseball really well."

Soto has reached base safely in 16 straight games, hitting .365 (19-for-52) with two doubles, three triples, five homers, 15 RBIs, 12 walks, 13 strikeouts and 13 runs scored during this current run.

Soto is the only player in the majors this season to put together three separate on-base streaks of at least 16 games. The first two streaks were from April 14-May 11 and May 15-31. He has hit five home runs since June 15.

* Trea Turner's walk-off double to the right-center field wall scored Yan Gomes from first base to lift the Nationals past the Marlins 3-2.

"For me, it makes an 0-for-4, a bad game, more enjoyable cause at least you got a chance to help the team out," he said. "Anytime you can come up to tie the game or win the game, I'm in favor big on that, whatever you want to call it, just because I think that is where you can contribute."

The Nationals now have five walk-off victories this season. Their last walk-off win was June 5 against the White Sox.

* Center fielder Michael A. Taylor went 0-for-4 as the leadoff hitter for Double-A Harrisburg in an 11-2 win over Richmond on Wednesday. He scored a run, walked and struck out, leaving four men on base. Luis Garcia had four hits, Rhett Wiseman three hits and Adrián Sanchez cranked a three-run shot.