A two-run HR by Michael Morse in the bottom of the eighth gave the Nats their second straight win and 3-1 win going into their lone day off this spring.
John Lannan tossed six solid innings, allowing just one run on two hits and a walks while striking out three. He was followed by Collin Balester, Doug Slaten, and Drew Storen, each of whom threw a 1-2-3 inning.
Once again, Danny Espinosa and Wilson Ramos drew starting assignments. Espinosa went 2-for-3 with an RBI double , a walk and strikeout, raising his ST batting average to .327 and his RBI tally to 15 in 16 games. Ramos went 1-for-4 with a run scored and picked off Oswaldo Navarro to end the 3rd inning.
With the win, the Nationals return to .500 and have tomorrow off, their only scheduled day off during the 2011 Grapefruit League season.
Some quick hits…
…Bryce Harper‘s injury suffered yesterday has been described as a “medium” left ankle sprain. MASN’s Byron Kerr reports that the injury should keep Harper out of the lineup “four to five days,” according to an unnamed source.
…MLB.com’s Bill Ladson is reporting that Henry Rodriguez has been shut down to “work on his mechanics.” Yours truly is predicting that a minor injury will be discovered shortly.
…Rule 5 pick Elvin Ramirez, reported to have been suffering from shoulder soreness, has begun long toss and will starting throwing bullpens soons, according WaPo’s Adam Kilgore, who also believes that Ramirez is likely to be stashed placed on the DL to begin the season.
More tomorrow, as we examine options and how they may affect the last week of Spring Training.