Fister earns win with strong effort out of bullpen

By Bill Ladson

August 30, 2015

WASHINGTON -- Right-hander Doug Fister came out of the bullpen and picked up the win in the Nationals' 7-4 victory over the Marlins on Sunday afternoon at Nationals Park.

It was Fister's first win since July 29 against the Marlins. It was also his first win as a reliever this year. Fister lost his spot in the rotation to Joe Ross and was assigned to a long-relief role on Aug. 6.

Fister replaced right-hander Stephen Strasburg in the fifth inning after Strasburg exited with back tightness. Fister pitched two shutout innings and kept Washington in the game.

Video: MIA@WSH: Nationals take the lead with a three-run 5th

The Nats rallied in the bottom of the fifth inning to turn a 4-2 deficit into a 5-4 lead. By the time Fister left the game, the Nationals had a three-run lead thanks to a two-run homer by pinch-hitter Clint Robinson.

"I felt a lot better lately," Fister said. "I was able to locate and … it just feels good to be back to normal. It's a blessing for me. Guys were playing defense today and making some great plays. That's what we need."

Bill Ladson is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog, All Nats All the Time. He also can be found on Twitter @WashingNats.