MLB

Nationals 2, Marlins 0

I didn’t have high hopes for Andrew Alvarez’s MLB debut yesterday, but the 26-year-old spun a gem. Pitching five innings, Alvarez allowed just one hit and picked up the win. The Nationals need quality innings, both this season and next, so perhaps Alvarez can factor into the club’s plans.

The Marlins held the slimmest of postseason hopes entering September, but kicking off this series with a loss should just about dash them.

Miami is now 65-73.

Mets 10, Tigers 8

Should the Mets not collapse and make the postseason, Juan Soto will have the opportunity to begin etching himself in franchise lore. For now, the superstar will have to settle for monster performances like yesterday. Finishing 2-for-3 with a homer and six RBIs, the team’s biggest free-agent signing ever had his best game with the Mets.

The Tigers’ deadline acquisition of Charlie Morton isn’t working out. The 41-year-old has fired a couple of solid starts with the team, but it’s been more bad than good. Detroit simply needs mediocrity from Morton, and it hasn’t gotten it.

Morton lasted just 3 2/3 innings yesterday, allowing six earned runs and walking four batters. He has a 5.81 ERA with Detroit.