The third time was the charm as the Nats got two in the 8th to edge the Astros, 3-2 and win their first Grapefruit League game of 2022.
TBD was a late scratch, with Aníbal Sánchez getting the nod for Washington. The free agent, one of several in camp from the 2019 World Series team, walked two and struck out three while pitching into the third.
Watchlister, NRI, and LHP Matt Cronin was the first man out of ‘pen and retired both batters he faced to get credit for the hold.
Cade Cavalli finished the game with three innings of one-hit ball as he struck out six of the Houston scrubs down the stretch.
Thanks to Jackson Cluff’s leadoff walk, Lucious Fox’s double, and Darren Baker’s sac fly in the 8th, Cavalli got credit for the win. Baker also singled in the 7th.
Donovan Casey rounded out the watchlist contingent as the second CF, though he went 0-for-2 with a strikeout. He, along with Baker, did not have any defensive chances while Cluff snagged a popup in the 8th and fielded a grounder in the 9th.
Washington remains in West Palm Beach for a Monday night game against St. Louis. Erick Fedde is slated to start for the Nats, opposed by Steven Matz for the Cards.