MLB: Florida 4, Washington 2

MIAMI, July 2 (UPI) -- Alfredo Amezaga's two-run seventh inning homer Wednesday helped the Florida Marlins beat the Washington Nationals 4-2.

The center-fielder, the first batter following a 94-minute rain delay at Dolphin Stadium, launched an offering by reliever and losing pitcher Charlie Manning into the left-field seats.

Florida won the contest after an early 2-0 deficit.

Robert Andino and Wes Helms had one RBI each and Jorge Cantu had two of the nine hits for the Marlins, who won twice in the three-game series.

Winner Rick Nolasco (9-4) surrendered two earned runs and three hits in seven innings with no walks and eight strikeouts. His career record against Washington rose to 5-1.

Closer Kevin Gregg recorded his 15th save.

Washington scored both its runs on Paul LoDuca's second inning single.

Two others had one hit for the Nationals, who have dropped seven of their last eight games against the Marlins.

Starter Odalis Perez yielded two earned runs and five hits in 6 2/3 innings.