Nationals 5, Marlins 1: Ryan Zimmerman belted a two-run homer and Jordan Zimmermann tossed six scoreless innings as visiting Washington cruised past Miami in the opener of a four-game set.

Jesus Flores had a two-run bloop single in the sixth inning and Zimmerman joined Adam LaRoche with three hits apiece for the NL East-leading Nationals, who handed the Marlins their third straight loss.

After Ian Desmond opened the scoring with an RBI single in the second inning, Zimmerman gave Washington a 3-0 lead in the third after crushing a breaking ball from Josh Johnson (5-6) off the sculpture in center field. Zimmerman's homer was his ninth of the season - and fourth since July 1.

Zimmermann (6-6) didn't let a rare showing of run support go to waste. He improved to 1-3 in his career against the Marlins after scattering four hits and striking out six.

John Buck had an RBI single in the seventh inning to put runners on the corners for Miami, but Austin Kearns promptly lined into a double play to end the threat.

Johnson fell to 8-1 lifetime versus the Nationals after yielding five runs on 11 hits in 5 1/3 innings.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Zimmermann extended his MLB-best streak to 18 consecutive starts of at least six innings pitched. ... Miami's Logan Morrison saw his 11-game hitting streak come to an end after an 0-for-4 performance on Friday. ... The Marlins activated CF Emilio Bonifacio from the 15-day disabled list prior to the contest. Bonifacio, who had been sidelined since May 20 with a sprained left thumb, went 0-for-3. ... Miami RF Justin Ruggiano stole a career-high three bases.