Juan Soto homered in the 1st to give the Nats an early 1-0 lead. For five innings, LHP Patrick Corbin (4IP, 3H, 0R, 0BB, 4k) and newly signed RHP Steve Cishek (1IP, 1H, 0R, BB, 0K) conspired combined to shut down the Marlins.
Alas, Kyle Finnegan was not in on the gameplan as Miami got to him for all three runs in the 6th, as they went single-single-walk to load ’em up and Jerar Encarnación unloaded them with a bases-clearing double for 3-1 lead.
Yadiel Hernandez would bring the Nats to within one with a two-out double that plated Richard Urena, who led off the 9th with a single. Alas, that would be the sole hit in four RISP chances and the fourth runner left on base as Jake Noll grounded out to end game for the 3-2 final – the fourth loss in five spring training games for the Nationals.
Joan Adon was the sole watchlister to appear in the game. The 23-y.o. Dominican worked around a leadoff walk in the 7th and a two-out single in the 8th to pitch two scoreless innings in his first appearance this spring. He struck out two while throwing 26 pitches, 19 for strikes.
After a grueling one-game road trip, the Nats return to West Palm Beach to host the Astros tonight. Josiah Gray is slated to make his second start, opposed by José Urquidy. The game can be heard locally on 106.7FM.
MEET THE PLAYERS BANQUET IN FREDERICKSBURG
In another step back towards normality, the FredNats Booster Club will be holding the 2022 Fredericksburg Nationals Meet The Player Banquet on Wednesday, April 6th at 7 p.m. at the Fredericksburg Expo Center (located next door to the ballpark).
For more details, including how to become a booster club member, download this PDF. Deadline to make your reservations for the event is next Thursday, March 31st.