Nats Lose Again, 2-1
Derek Dietrich’s one-out homer in the last of the 9th off journeyman Bruce Billings gave the Marlins a 2-1 walkoff win while handing the Nats another 2-1 loss.
All six games thus far in spring training have been decided by one run, with the Nats winning three straight, then losing three straight (and counting).
Max Scherzer was stretched to three innings but gave up two hits in each frame, allowing a first-inning run with the “help” of a wild pitch.
The six hits Scherzer allowed matched the total for the Nats lineup, which broke up the shutout in the 6th when Mike Carp was hit by a pitch. Dan Uggla doubled in pinch-runner Kila Ka‘aihue with two outs to tie the game at 1-1.
Michael Taylor got the start in CF but was hitless in three ABs with one strikeout. Jeff Kobernus, the Nats No. 29 prospect in the latest pageview grab ranking by MLB Pipeline, also started in LF, but struck out three times in three plate appearances.
The rundown for the notable minor-leaguers:
• Caleb Ramsey subbed for Tony Gwynn Jr. in RF and went 0-for-1
• Cutter Dykstra pinch-ran for Uggla and drew a walk while playing 2B
• Matt Skole followed Ian Stewart at 3B but was 0-for-1 with a strikeout
• Wilmer Difo took over for Danny Espinosa at SS and went 0-for-2 with a whiff, but threw out a runner at the plate in the 8th
• Kevin Keyes subbed for Kobernus in LF but had no chances and did not bat
• RHP Rafael Martin worked around two one-out hits and a passed ball but got defensive help (Difo) to notch a scoreless inning
The Nationals return to Viera to host the Tigers tomorrow afternoon. The 1:05 game is scheduled to be broadcast live on MASN and on tape delay on MLB Network tomorrow night.
Hey, the pageview grab worked for me, I checked it out. Even had Matt Purke @ #30, just while he was reassigned to minor league camp to day.
Wonder if we’ll hear his name anytime soon, as in before July 4th. Here’s hoping he and Solis (#28) can make it all the way back; we could sure use some lefthanders.
Imagine the domino effect upward if Nats open
With three outfielders and the new 2 b in DL??
Keyes and Ramsey walked over from b fields for
Fish game.
Does span injury open door to Taylor / Gwynn battle
For CF?
Jeff, yes. But I still think Taylor struggles to reach Mendoza line. Wonder if rizzo makes the souza trade if he knew what could happen injury wise this camp. Training staff appears to have struggled with Span. One piece of good news on Span: I bet it increases likelihood he comes back as he’ll be in weaker negotiating position. I bet they try to LaRoche him and give him two years at great price. I’d like to see Harper, Span, and an unknown outfielder who emerges this year. Where do the Nats make up for missed offense? This would be a great year for Wilson Ramos to stay healthy and run the first Nationals ball back to closer Lucas Giolito for the final out. I do not want Drew Storen closing games in the postseason this year. Some guys are madbum, some guys aren’t. Small sample size yada yada yada but Mariano Rivera had ice water the moment he stepped onto a postseason mound. Casey janssen was a great pickup.
Sd, you’ll be interested to know that the ‘other’ Michael Taylor just retired. This makes things easier as there is now 1 prospect named Michael Taylor.
This could all be moot as ‘our’ MT looks to play at least 30-40 games with the big club, which would come close to ending his prospect status.
Can you say Wally Pipp?
Sir, there is room for as many Michael Taylor’s as God wishes to create. There is only one Michael BATMAN Taylor. He will be launching baseballs over the walls at Turner field and preventing them from surmounting the walls during Stephen Strasburg straight as an arrow starts. I am lobbying the commissioner to create a defensive rookie if the year award as we speak so Michael BATMAN Taylor can win it!
Maybe the talk between storen and 42 Rivera
Enlightened drew?
The real aspect to spring camp has been which guys
Hit their way into bench roles : Moore , Carp, K2,
Stewart , Burriss
Time for some methany !