The ‘pen is supposed to be one of the strengths of the Big Nats, even with the heavy workload it usually gets.
Alas, it was not so on Saturday afternoon as St. Louis scored seven times in the last five innings to down Washington, 9-6.
Projects starters Josiah Gray and Cade Cavalli pitched the first four innings—two innings apiece—and combined for a run on a solo HR (Cavalli) and five hits, with no walks, and eight strikeouts.
Jake Alu continues to get looks as he started at second base and batted eighth. The almost-26-y.o. connected for an RBI single in his first at-bat, then struck out and flew out, leaving the game in the 8th. He’s now 4-for-12 with two RBI across six games.
Jeter Downs came off the bench in the 6th and went 0-for-2, lowering his spring BA to .125 (1-for-8) but did not strike out.
Jeremy De La Rosa replaced Lane Thomas in right field in the top of the 7th and grounded out in his only plate appearance. He’s now 1-for-7 across six appearances.
Israel Pineda caught the 7th and 8th innings and was Robles’d in the 8th. Viandel Peña pinch-ran for him and Brady Lindsly caught the 9th.
The Nats remain in West Palm Beach tomorrow afternoon but will “visit” the Astros. Sunk cost LHP Patrick Corbin is expected to make his second spring start.
The game can be heard on 106.7FM locally for the second straight day. If you were wondering, MASN will be showing an Oriole Classic game tomorrow afternoon while MASN2 will be carrying “live horse racing from across the country,” which stands to reason since dead horses don’t run very fast.