Washington’s luck in taking one-run games ran out as the Americans of New York stopped the Nationals of DC, 3-2 in Tampa.
The Yankees rallied with two outs and connected on three straight singles off losing pitcher Mitch Lively in the bottom of the 8th. The implosion offset the Yankees mistakes in the 7th when an error set up a an equalizing score on a groundout.
Doug Fister got the start and needed just 20 pitches to get six outs as he allowed just one hit and one walk over his two innings of work. Sammy Solis followed but was touched for two runs (one earned) on three hits over an inning and 2/3rds.
Michael Taylor led off the game with first-pitch swing for a solo HR to put the Nationals up 1-0. The organization’s top position prospect finished the afternoon with a 2-for-3 mark, first-pitch swinging again in the 3rd for a single to center and striking out in the 5th.
Wilmer Difo also got the starting nod at 2B, singling in the 7th inning and taking second on an error by Yankees’ RF Aaron Judge. Cutler Cutter Dykstra pinch-ran for him and popped up to end the game.
A look how the other notable minor-leaguers fared this afternoon:
• Emmanuel Burris subbed for SS Ian Desmond and went 0-for-1
• Jeff Kobernus subbed for LF Tyler Moore and was also 0-for-1
• Matt Skole followed Kila Ka‘ahiue at 1B but committed an error (missed catch) and went 0-for-1
• Spencer Kieboom pinch-hit for DH Mike Carp but was 0-for-1
• Sandy Leon took over for Jose Lobaton behnd the plate and went 0-for-2
The Nationals return to Viera tomorrow to play the Braves. Gio Gonzalez is expected to make his first spring training start. The game can be heard on MLB Radio.