Marlins 3, Nationals 1

Asked whether he's concerned about the lack of scoring, Robinson said: "I'm always concerned, yes. When things aren't going well, or a player's not going well, or whatever, I'm concerned."

The Marlins have won two straight after losing four in a row.

"The tempo has been up the last couple of days," McKeon said. "The guys are anxious to get going. There's a little more intensity in the dugout. I think that comes when you lower your club. This is another reason we made the moves today. Get settled, let guys have piece of mind, go out there and raise the intensity level."

After the game, the Marlins optioned first baseman Joe Dillon and catcher Josh Willingham to Triple-A Albuquerque and returned left-hander Luke Hagerty to the Cubs. Hagerty was a Rule 5 acquisition.

The Marlins got more good news when center fielder Juan Pierre tested his strained right calf Thursday; he'll play in minor league games Friday and Saturday, and is expected to be in the lineup for Tuesday's season opener.

"I ran hard. I did everything that I could possibly do on the diamond except my home run trot and that'll be OK, seeing I only do that a couple of times a year," said Pierre, who last played March 7.

Notes: Washington SS Cristian Guzman snapped an 0-for-23 string with a single in the sixth. ... Nationals 3B Vinny Castilla returned to the lineup after missing 10 games with a left knee injury. He went 0-for-3 and is hitting .087 this spring. ... Nationals OF Terrmel Sledge left in the sixth inning with a left calf strain. He said he'll be ready for opening day.