Kila Ka’aiue’s two-run homer in the 7th capped complete a comeback from a 4-0 deficit as the Nationals edged the Mets, 5-4 in the 2015 Grapefruit League opener.
Max Scherzer made his Washington debut with two innings pitched, with one run allowed on a solo shot in the 2nd and two hits total while fanning two. The win went to Xavier “Carry On” Cedeno, as the optionless southpaw turned in a scoreless 7th. Northpaw Blake Treinen got the save with 1-2-3 ninth.
Here’s a rundown on how the minor-leaguers fared…
• Derrick Robinson took over for CF Denard Span and went 1-for-3 and an RBI
• Matt Skole subsituted for Anthony Rendon at 3B but was 0-for-2 with 2K
• Clint Robinson followed Bryce Harper in RF and singled twice in three ABs
• Ka’aiue also walked to finish 1-for-2 while manning 1B in place Ryan Zimmerman
• Dan Butler took over behind the plate for Wilson Ramos but was 0-for-2 and a whiff
• Pedro Severino caught the 9th but had no defensive chances
• Emmanuel Burriss subbed for SS Ian Desmond and went 0-for-2 with a strikeout
• Mike Carp and his beard were the DH and reached base twice with a single and a HBP
• Ian Stewart walked as a pinch-hitter for Carp and later singled as the DH
• Jeff Kobernus pinch-ran for LF Tyler Moore, who doubled twice, and finished 1-for-2 and a K
• Wilmer Difo pinch-ran for 2B Kevin Frandsen and reached base twice with a single and a walk
• Rafael Martin retired all three batters he faced in the 4th, catching Matt ven Dekker looking to finish the frame
• Heath Bell did his best imitation of Nuke LaLoosh with two walks and three strikeouts in a scoreless 5th
Washington hits the road today to take on Atlanta at the House of Mouse Spring Training Facility in Orlando. Jordan Zimmermann is expected to make the start. The game can be heard on MLB Radio.