MIAMI — The Marlins lost just twice against the Washington Nationals all of last season.

It’s a safe bet the Marlins aren’t going to have that same success in 2024 as Washington beat the Marlins, 11-4, on Saturday.

After going 2-11 against the Marlins last year, the Nationals are 2-0 against Miami this season. The teams will play again Sunday, and the series ends Monday night.

Miami led 1-0 early on Saturday, but the Marlins were doomed by Washington’s tie-breaking five-run fifth inning that featured Jesse Winker’s grand slam off of Edward Cabrera.

The Marlins (6-22) have now lost five games in a row, and they have the worst record in the National League.

This is the Marlins’ ninth series this year, and the team has yet to win any of those sets. They won’t win this one, either, as the best they could do at this point is a split.

The Marlins’ struggles can be quickly explained by what they are lacking — elite/high-priced talent and good health.

Miami’s payroll of $98 million is the third lowest in the majors. Only the Pirates and A’s have lower payrolls, and neither squad has a winning record.

As for health, the Marlins have had six starting pitchers go on the injured list this year, including 2022 National League Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcantara and Eury Perez, both of whom are out for the year.

Braxton Garrett, Jesus Luzardo, Cabrera and A.J. Puk have also spent time on the injured list.

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