Tigers Nip Nats, 2-1
Washington was in midseason form yesterday in Lakeland as they collected 11 hits—all singles—and left on 14 in a 2-1 loss to Detroit.
Chad Kuhl got the start and got seven outs on 30 pitches, allowing one hit, no walks, and striking out one. The loss went to Jackson Rutledge, who let in the first Tiger run on a leadoff walk, a single, and a sacrifice fly in the 6th.
Jeter Downs was the sole watchlist player in the starting lineup. The 24-y.o. played shortstop and went 1-for-3.
Here’s how the rest of “our guys” did coming off the bench or in the from the ‘pen:
- Thad Ward finished the 3rd inning with two strikeouts after giving up a double to the first batter he faced
- Daylen Lile took injured Victor Robles’s spot in the batting order in the 2nd and finished the game, going 3-for-4 with a run, a stolen base, and a nifty diving catch
- Rutledge pitched the 5th and 6th innings and finished with one run let in on one hit and one walk. He struck out two
- Jake Irvin pitched the 7th and 8th innings and gave up a run on three hits and no walks. He set down two on strikes
- Drew Millas subbed for Keibert Ruiz behind the plate in the 6th and drew a walk in the 8th
- Trey Lipscomb replaced Ildemaro Vargas at 3B in the 6th and went 1-for-2
- Jeremy De La Rosa took over CF from Lane Thomas in the 7th and struck out in the 9th
- Jacob Young pinch-hit for DH Riley Adams in the 8th and struck out
Tonight, the Nats return to West Palm Beach to host Team Israel in a WBC tuneup game before Pool D starts play in Miami on Saturday.
Really cheered by Lyle’s performance today. Hopefully, it’s a precursor to a breakout year. Amazing that he was picked before Wood given the divergent paths they’ve taken so far.
with Robles going out early he effectively played the whole game, usually prospects like him get a couple innings. his first hit off Rodriguez was lined up the middle. nice diving catch in left center too. good for him, just another potentially exciting story to watch in ’23
I don’t understand the concept of carrying guys like Daylen Lile with the big club, even on a 42-hour bus ride to Lakeland. I mean, good for the kid for having a great day at the plate, but he hasn’t even played at the A level yet. But why not give those ABs to someone like Hassell, who has an outside chance at being in the majors this season? If Hassell has appeared at all with the big club, I’ve missed it.
Fifty cents says that Thad Ward ends up in the starting rotation at some point in 2023. He’s one worth watching.
it’s not like the guys who don’t travel are sitting on the beach. simulated games take place, work is put in just like every other day. understanding what I do of DM, I suspect some of these opportunities are given based on what he sees and as a reward for effort
I share the disappointment of not being able to see them in games but frankly, a seventh inning AB vs some other non-major leaguer is less than satisfying
Rutledge and Irvin both looked sharp in their first innings, less so in their second.
big moment for Jacob Young, his AB was with the bases loaded, two out bottom of the eighth. alas a grandkid story was not meant to be
Lile had a missed catch of a foul ball but otherwise acquitted himself well in his unexpected opportunity
Say gang I could change my heading from Kuehl2Kuhl .’
Not that Chad will hang too much in DC plans
Drum roll , Henny Youngmann !
How did Chad actually look versus a spring Tiger squad ?
he looked pretty sharp. he made 27 starts last year for the Rocks. expect him to be #1 or 2 emergency call up starter if not Abbott