Nats Drop Another One-Run Game, 2-1
Nine runners left on, two thrown out on the basepaths
It’s early, but the lack of the clutch hit has dogged the Nats this Spring Training, as they lost for the third time by one run, 2-1 to Braves.
Erick Fedde got the start and let in one run on four hits over two innings. He walked one and struck out one and was charged with the loss, but reportedly hit 93-96 on the House of Mouse stadium guns, though he did need 38 pitches to retire six batters.
Moises Sierra homered in the 9th to break up the shutout bid, made possible in part by Stevenson getting thrown out at 3B attempting to go first-to-third against Ender Inciarte in CF and Matt Reynolds gunned down at home plate attempting to score on a flyout to RF Nick Markakis. We could not confirm reports of Bobby Henley’s other decisions yesterday.
Victor Robles (CF), Jose Marmolejos (1B), Pedro Severino (C), Andrew Stevenson (LF), and Rafael Bautista (RF) were among the starters, keeping with the custom of letting the regulars sit on road trips early in spring training.
Robles and Marmolejos both went 2-for-3, with the #1 prospect connecting for a double and stealing a base (and *sigh* oversliding third base attempting to steal it with two out). Severino went 1-for-3 while Stevenson and Bautista were both 0-for-2 with a walk, with Bautista also snagging a bag.
Here’s a rundown of how the rest of the Watchlist players did yesterday:
● Daniel Johnson took over for Bautista in RF and singled in his only AB
● Taylor Gushue subbed for Severino at catcher and went 0-for-1
● Blake Perkins drew a walk in his lone PA while replacing Robles in CF
● Kelvin Gutierrez went 0-for-2 with a strikeout out in place of Chris Dominguez at 3B
The Nats return to West Palm Beach today to host the Marlins. Gio Gonzalez is expected to make his 2018 spring debut with Tanner Roark to follow from the ‘pen on three days’ rest. The game can be heard on MLB Audio (Miami feed).
I can understand playing Robles every day. Rizzo and Martinez need to see how ready he is to play in the majors. If Rizzo decides that the team needs a starting pitcher other than the guys in camp, he will have to trade MAT or Eaton. Robles looks ready to me. Playing Stevenson every day looks to me like showcasing him, possibly to go as part of a trade for the SP.
No need to trade Taylor or Eaton when Harper is likely leaving next year.
Taylor would be a great PH/OF depth, even if Goodwin might have to suck up playing in AAA for the majority of the year.
Anybody else read Nats former draft pick DeOrca firing a whale of a no hitter vs Md Bmore CC? Tenth mizzou no no and first since Mad Max and another arm in 2005??