Michael Taylor, a favorite here during his meteoric rise from High-A to MLB in 2013-2014, gave the fans at the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches a thrill as he drilled a two-out solo HR in the bottom of the 9th for a 4-3 walkoff over the Houston Astros.
Jeremy Guthrie got the GCL start with two scoreless innings pitched. He led a parade of eight relievers over nine innings, including watchlister Koda Glover, who struck out one and walked none in a single inning of work.
Derek Norris also homered as the Nationals broke into double digits in the hit column again with ten hits for the second time in as many games.
Rafael Bautista, Andrew Stevenson, and Brian Goodwin were the only watchlist position players to appear in the game. Bautista subbed for Adam Eaton in CF and went hitless in two AB’s. Goodwin replaced Adam Lind in LF and struck out twice in two PA’s. Steven pinch-ran for Jose Lobaton but did not score a run.
The win evened up the Nats at 2-2 for the spring. They’re back on the road on Wednesday to face the Tigers in Lakeland before rematching with Houston as the visiting team on Thursday.