Gordon proving adept at setting table early

WASHINGTON -- Like clockwork, Dee Gordon started off Sunday's finale between the Marlins and Nationals, a 13-3 Washington win, with a base hit.

A perfectly deadened bunt to the third-base side that the 27-year-old beat out with ease, the hit marked the fourth consecutive game and 39th this season he has started with a base hit. Only Charlie Blackmon of the Rockies has more, with 40.

"If he gets on base, good things can happen," manager Dan Jennings said. "He's capable of turning a single into a double, stealing a bag. He's in the middle of a race for the batting title. He just brings that every day."

Video: MIA@WSH: Gordon makes fine over-the-shoulder catch

Gordon swiped second base for his 53rd stolen base of the season, but he was stranded there, the first time all series that the Marlins didn't take advantage of an early opportunity.

The Nationals, on the other hand, took advantage of their first hit of the game. They tagged Justin Nicolino for three first-inning runs, including two on Jayson Werth's double.

Starter Stephen Strasburg worked well with a lead and limited the Marlins to two runs through seven innings.

Gordon, who's batting .332, finished the weekend 11 points behind Bryce Harper in the race for the National League batting title.

"Any time Dee's at the plate, he's got so many weapons," Jennings said. "He can bunt for a hit. He sprays the ball all around, and occasionally he'll get the ball in gaps and have double- and triple-type power. He's certainly our catalyst. As he goes, so do we."