Zimmermann, Storen Take A Beating In 10-4 Loss

For the second time in as many days, the Nats starting pitcher was knocked around as the Nats lost 10-4 to St. Louis.

Jordan Zimmermann, who had come into the contest with a 0.00 ERA in three previous outing, gave up six runs on eight hits and two walks and did not strike out a batter. He also threw two wild pitches.

Zimmermann is still quite likely to make the cut, but Storen’s outing? Well, that’s a horse of a different color. For the fourth time in six appearances this spring, Storen was hit hard, allowing three runs on four hits and two walks. Three of the four hits went for extra bases, with two home runs and triple, and he also did not strike out a batter.

As mentioned in yesterday morning’s post, GM Mike Rizzo is pleased to have players with options. WaPo beat writer Adam Kilgore deftly points out that it’s possible for Storen to be sent down for just that reason.

What’s more likely is that Storen may no longer be the ninth-inning pitcher as the closer-by-committee has been mentioned lately. Strong performances by Sean Burnett and Collin Balester in yesterday’s game are helping to make the case.

Brian Broderick continues to make his case for sticking with the club, pitching another scoreless inning yesterday to lower his spring ERA to 0.93, and is starting to attract notice outside this space.

Other notable prospects…

• Boomer Whiting made his first appearance, going 0-for-1 and snagging a flyball in the 9th
• Derek Norris drew a walk and caught the last three innings, but was charged with a passed ball
• Matt Antonelli went 0-for-1 as a pinch hitter and played the 9th inning at 2B without any defensive chances

The loss drops the Nats to 10-10 for the spring, as they return to Port St. Lucie this afternoon to play the Mets. The game will broadcast on the radio via 106.7FM and can be seen on MLB.tv