The bullpen coughed up five in the 8th, which proved to be the difference. Well, except maybe it was the Houston firemen that brought the P-E-T-R-O-L instead of Washington’s as the Nats won, 7-6.
Michael Chavis’s two-run homer capped off a five-run rally that began with back-to-back walks to start the inning, a double, and a triple.
Trevor Williams became the first starter to pitch into the 5th this spring as the offseason pickup gave up three runs on seven hits (one HR) over four and 2/3rds innings. He walked none and struck out three.
The decision went to Chad Kuhl, who wobbled through three innings of relief and let in two runs but got through the 9th unscathed.
Jeter Downs and James Wood were both in the starting lineup, batting 8th and 9th and manning shortstop and centerfield, respectively. Downs got his third hit of the spring (in only 22 AB!) and struck out once while Woods fanned twice in two trips to the plate.
Four watchlisters—three current, one former—saw game action:
- Jared McKenzie replaced Alex Call in LF in the 7th. He walked and scored a run in the 8th.
- ’22 2B/SS Yoander Rivero subbed for Downs at SS in the 7th and struck out in the 8th
- Elijah Green followed Wood in CF in the 7th and went 1-for-2 with a two-run triple. He scored the tying run ahead of the Chavis HR.
- Nathaniel Ochoa Leyva took over SS and pushed Rivero to 2B in the top of the 8th. He grounded out to end the 8th
The Nats return to Port St. Lucie this afternoon to face the Mets. Cade Cavalli is expected to make his first start of the spring (third appearance) against David Peterson. The game can only be seen on MLB.tv or SNY.