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).