Washington ? Over and over during spring training, Frank Robinson would tell anyone who would listen: If his Washington Nationals could do all the little things the right way, they could compete with any team.

No big boppers or Cy Young Award winners on this roster, Robinson would say, almost boasting. Can’t count on three-run homers or shutouts. Nope, but with key hits, defense and pitching, these Nationals could be more than merely ex-Expos.

And he was saying it again Sunday after the Nationals’ 7-3 victory over Arizona completed a series sweep, stretched their winning streak to five games and improved their NL East-leading record to 8-4.

“We have to chip away and do the little things to get a run in,” Robinson said. “Right now, we’re doing a lot of things right.”

Eight starters produced at least one hit; only slumping Cristian Guzman didn’t, but even he contributed an RBI with a bases-loaded walk. Four players drove in runs. The bullpen and sparkling defense got out of a first-and-third, none-out jam in the seventh — perhaps not coincidentally, the same inning in which the Nationals sent 11 batters to the plate and scored six runs without the benefit of a homer.

Sunday’s crowd of 35,463 followed those of 45,596 for the home opener Thursday and 34,943 on Saturday. That’s 116,002 for three games — or more than one-seventh of what the Expos totaled for 81 home dates last season in Montreal and Puerto Rico.

“When I look at the stands and see everybody jumping up and down, it’s incredible,” said Jose Vidro, the team’s longest-tenured player. “I looked at that and said, ‘This is beautiful.”‘

Marlins 5, Mets 2

New York — A.J. Burnett pitched a four-hitter for his second straight complete game.

Washington Nationals, from left, Nick Johnson, Jose Guillen, Vinny Castilla and Terrmel Sledge celebrate their 7-3 victory over Arizona. The Nats won Sunday at RFK Stadium in Washington.

Reds 6, Astros 5

Cincinnati — Wily Mo Pena hit a three-run homer so deep into the upper deck that it drew an extra standing ovation, then hit a tiebreaking double in the eighth inning.

Cubs 4, Pirates 2

Pittsburgh — Derrek Lee hit a tiebreaking two-run single in the eighth and drove in three runs as the Cubs took advantage of Greg Maddux’s first effective start this season.

Cardinals 3, Brewers 2

Milwaukee — Scott Rolen had three hits and three RBIs, including a tiebreaking home run in the top of the ninth, to help the Cardinals sweep the Brewers in Milwaukee for the first time since Sept. 9-11, 2002.

Giants 8, Rockies 6

Denver — Michael Tucker hit his second grand slam against Colorado this season and drove in five runs to rally the Giants. Tucker also had an RBI double.

Dodgers 6, Padres 0

Los Angeles — Jeff Weaver pitched a five-hitter for his fourth career shutout, and Jeff Kent and Milton Bradley hit back-to-back homers for the second time in three days.

Phillies 2, Braves 1 (10)

Philadelphia — Placido Polanco’s bases-loaded single capped the Phillies’ two-run rally in the bottom of the 10th inning.