A two-run shot in the bottom of the ninth by veteran minor-leaguer Carlos Maldonado ended this afternoon’s game with a 3-3 tie with the St. Louis Cardinals, as the two teams elected to finish after nine due to a lack of pitchers and the possibility of rain.
Jordan Zimmermann was the first of six Nationals pitchers to take the hill, and continued the string of strong spring outings from the starters with three scoreless innings. The 25-year-old allowed three hits and a walk but struck out three.
Matt Purke also made his first official appearance of the spring, but was torched for a game-tying solo HR in his second inning of work. He allowed four hits but walked none and fanned two in the two frames he pitched.
Boxscore lines from the notable minor-leaguers:
- Steve Lombardozzi got the start at 2B and went 0-for-2 with a putout and an assist before leaving the game in the 6th
- Carlos Rivero remains hitless after another 0-for-2 outing as the substitute 3B
- Tyler Moore singled for his first base hit of the spring to lead off the 9th, scoring on Maldonado’s HR, and struck out in his other AB
- Anthony Rendon filled in again at SS, notching three putouts and turning a double play. At the plate, he struck out twice
- Corey Brown got the start in RF but went 0-for-3 with a strikeout
The Nats remain in Viera tomorrow afternoon, hosting the Houston Astros in a rematch of last Saturday’s matchup between Edwin Jackson and Livan Hernandez. The Astros broadcast will be available via MLB Audio.