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MIAMI -- Struggling as a table-setter for the Washington Nationals, Denard Span thrived Sunday as a run-producer. Span was dropped from the top spot in the order for the first time this season, and he responded with three hits in the No. 7 position, including a tiebreaking two-out RBI double in the 10th inning to help beat the Miami Marlins 5-2. Span snapped a 1-for-20 slump with a two-out RBI double in the second inning, and singled in the fourth. The three hits raised his average to .260 and helped the Nationals head into the All-Star break at 48-47. "I just said, Hey, Im going to try end this first half on a good note," Span said. "I couldnt play any worse than I have this first half. I just wanted to go out feeling good. I didnt want to go home feeling in more of a stale mood than Im already in." It has been a frustrating season so far for Span and the defending NL East champions, who averted a series sweep and snapped a three-game losing streak. They went 2-4 on their trip and trail division leader Atlanta by six games. "I like this ballclub," manager Davey Johnson said. "Weve had few hiccups with injuries and whatever, but I think were in good shape going into the second half. Were an awfully good ballclub, and we just need to play like it." On Friday, the Nationals begin their longest homestand of the season -- 11 games. They salvaged the series finale at Miami despite going 2 for 10 with runners in scoring position, and hit .087 (4 for 46) in those situations during their trip. They had four hits without scoring in the fourth inning, when right fielder Giancarlo Stanton threw out two base runners. Bryce Harper replaced Span in the leadoff spot, batting there for the first time in his career, and went 1 for 5 with a double and a walk. Jayson Werth, Ian Desmond and Anthony Rendon each had two of Washingtons 14 hits. "We hit a bunch of balls hard, and I like the way it felt," Johnson said. "Everybody seemed to have a little energy in the new lineup, and Ill probably stick with it more." Harper was pleased with Johnsons decision to bat him first. "I loved it. I really did," he said. "Getting the ABs I did, five or six ABs, that was pretty awesome. I like doing it. I did it in high school. It was pretty cool. If he left it there, I would be absolutely comfortable." With the score 2-all, Werth hit a one-out single in the 10th off Steve Cishek (3-5), and Span hit a double that landed on the warning track in centre field to give the Nationals the lead. That ended Cisheks streak of 16 1-3 consecutive scoreless innings, the longest active streak in the major leagues. Wilson Ramos added an RBI single, and pinch-hitter Chad Tracy doubled home another run. "I flipped in a couple of lazy sliders that killed me," Cishek said. "I really wanted to finish on a strong note for the first half. Sweeping the Nationals would have been great." Washington rookie Taylor Jordan remained winless in four career starts despite an ERA of 3.32. The Florida native allowed two runs in six innings before departing for a pinch-hitter. Craig Stammen (5-4) pitched a perfect ninth. Rafael Soriano followed with a scoreless 10th for his 25th save. Miami snapped the Nationals franchise-record streak of hitting a home run in 86 consecutive series. Derek Dietrich hit a two-run homer for the Marlins, his ninth, but they squandered several scoring chances. A line drive by Dietrich along the right-field line was initially ruled fair by first-base umpire Mike Estabrook, putting runners at second and third with none out in the second inning. But plate umpire Alan Porter reversed the call, Dietrich struck out and the Marlins didnt score. TV replays were inconclusive. Notes: Miami LHP Duane Below was optioned to Triple-A New Orleans. RHP Chad Qualls will be placed on the paternity list. ... Werth fouled a ball off the top of his left foot and left the game in the 10th. He was limping after the game and said he was unsure whether he might miss any playing time when the season resumes. ... Washington RHP Tyler Clippard struck out the side in the ninth. In his past nine innings, he has allowed one hit with 11 strikeouts. ... Miami SS Adeiny Hechavarria had two hits and is batting .412 (21 for 51) this month. ... Marlins C Jeff Mathis has thrown out 13 of 18 runners on steal attempts.Chris Archer Jersey . The defending champion beat Gael Monfils of France 7-6 (6), 6-3, while second-seeded Andy Murray of Britain dispatched Edouard Roger-Vasselin, also of France, 6-3, 6-3. Making his first appearance since injuring his wrist a month ago, Del Potro had difficulty with his service games in the first set. Kevin Kramer Jersey . The home side created most of the chances but struggled to break down Braunschweigs resilient defence, resulting in the Bundesligas 1,000th scoreless draw. https://www.cheappiratesjerseys.us/942e-deacon-white-jersey-pirates.html . As he recorded his 23rd and 24th points of the evening, a segment of the sellout Air Canada Centre crowd expressed their appreciation for the Raptors point guard with a smattering of MVP chants. Omar Moreno Jersey . There was no hesitation from the 40th-ranked Pospisil, from Vernon, B.C., who admitted that he cut back on his training sessions over the last few days to conserve energy as the long ATP season finishes next week at the Paris Masters. Pittsburgh Pirates Gear .J. -- Pitcher Carl Pavano is retiring after 14 major league seasons.South Africa captain Adriaan Strauss insists his team will not be distracted by Eddie Jones jibe that they only know one way of playing.The Springboks take on England at Twickenham on Saturday and ahead of the clash Jones said his opponents never change, describing their physical approach as like chess on steroids.South Africa have certainly picked a gargantuan line-up. Forward trio Pieter-Steph du Toit, Willem Alberts and Lood de Jager alone will be carrying 55 stone between them. Strauss, however, refused to rise to Jones comments.Thats a very interesting statement, said Strauss, who will retire from Test rugby at the end of the year. We are moving towards a style we do want to play. We know were not there yet.This is another opportunity to take a step closer. We do want to play a physical game - its in South Africas DNA and its our brand of rugby. We also want to adapt and grow as a team. Weve been doing that this year.We havent executed it that well but we are growing as a team. I dont know, I havent read and heard everything he (Jones) said but we know what we want to do so thats where the focus is. We wont get swept up by comments from our opposition.This will be South Africas first Test since their 57-15 drubbing at the hands of New Zealand, the teeams heaviest-ever defeat on home soil.dddddddddddd The result provided a suitably miserable end to a disappointing Rugby Championship that included a surprise loss to Argentina and only two wins from six overall.?The Springboks have reason to be more confident in south London, however, having not lost to England in 12 matches, a sequence that stretches back to 2006. Will that record play a part on Saturday?Not at all, Strauss said. Over the last couple of years we have gained a bit of confidence overseas playing in the northern hemisphere but its a new chapter, its not going to help us on the day.The visitors physical tactics may, however, be aided by the conditions, with heavy rain expected this weekend.It might rain, we expect that. We also prepared for that, Strauss said. Weve got a plan for when it does rain. We dont want to vary too much but you have to be wary if you play with a slippery ball on the day.Both teams are well equipped to play with a wet ball. The English have a great kicking game, they maul quite well and they have a physical pack. They are a good defensive squad so both teams can play well in wet weather. ' ' '