Tanner Roark threw four strong innings early, but the Nats gave up four runs late to drop their fourth game, 4-2 to the Twins.
Roark, who will pitch for the United States in the WBC, allowed just two hits, no walks, and struck out three.
The loss went to Sammy Solis as the 28-y.o. southpaw served up three runs on three hits in the 8th, including a two-run HR. he walked one and struck out two.
Brian Goodwin got another start in LF, but struck out in his only at-bat. With tomorrow being a day off, manager Dusty Baker subbed early and often to make life difficult for the scorekeeper sure as many players got in as possible.
Here’s how the rest of the watchlist players did:
• Rafael Bautista was the third RF after Bryce Harper and Chris Heisey and went 1-for-2 with a run scored.
• Matt Skole spelled Anthony Rendon at 3B and grounded out in his sole at-bat.
• Drew Ward followed Skole and was 0-for-2 with a whiff.
• Pedro Severino was the third catcher after Derek Norris and Jose Lobaton and had an RBI single in the 7th.
• Raudy Read replaced Severino behind the plate but did not bat.
• Andrew Stevenson followed Goodwin in LF and rolled one to end the 5th before he was replaced by Brandon Snyder.
The Nats resume play on Tuesday against the Red Sox. It will be broadcast live on MASN only (no radio).