The Washington Nationals fell to an agonizing 4-3 defeat in their game against the Miami Marlins on Saturday. But it was not all doom and gloom for the Nationals and their fans as the team’s “top paw-spect” made his long-awaited MLB debut.

Miami Marlins (27-41, fifth in the NL East) vs. Washington Nationals (30-40, fourth in the NL East) Washington; Sunday, 1:35 p.m. EDT PITCHING PROBABLES: Marlins: Eury Perez (0-1, 12.00 ERA, 2.00 WHIP,

Jesus Sanchez had two hits including a home run, Calvin Faucher retired James Wood with the bases loaded and two outs in the ninth and the visiting Miami Marlins beat the Washington Nationals 4-3 on Saturday.

The Nationals won the pregame with a special ceremonial performance by Bruce the Bat Dog before losing the actual game.

Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez bristled when asked how much of his team's recent offensive struggles should be apportioned between players and his coaches after the 4-3 loss to the Miami Marlins.

The Miami Marlins and Washington Nationals will have a quick turnaround for the middle game of their series on Saturday.