The Washington Nationals fell to an agonizing 4-3 defeat in their game against the Miami Marlins on Saturday. But it was not all doom and gloom for the Nationals and their fans as the team’s “top paw-spect” made his long-awaited MLB debut.

Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez bristled when asked how much of his team's recent offensive struggles should be apportioned between players and his coaches after the 4-3 loss to the Miami Marlins.

The Nationals won the pregame with a special ceremonial performance by Bruce the Bat Dog before losing the actual game.

The Washington Nationals were hoping that a return home against the Miami Marlins would allow them to get their season back on track after losing five in a row,

The dog days of summer arrived Saturday at Nationals Park. Bruce, a 21-month-old golden retriever, fetched a bat during a ceremony before the Washington Nationals-Miami Marlins game.