Nats Double Up Astros in Grapefruit League Opener

Robert Hassell’s three-run double in the top of the 9th snapped a 3-3 tie as the Nationals doubled up the Astros, 6-3 in the opener of 2025 Spring Training.

The bases-clearing double gave Tyler Stuart gave the dreaded blown-save-win after giving up two runs in the bottom of the 8th. Marquis Grissom then pitched a 1-2-3 ninth to pick up the save.

The “start” went to Jake Irvin, though all nine pitchers used pitched a single inning. Jarlin Susana was the only other watchlist pitcher to appear, laboring throiugh a 34-pitch 6th in which he gave up a hit, walked two, and struck out two.

Dylan Crews was the sole watchlist player to start. He went 1-for-2 with an RBI and started in RF.

Six watchlist position players came off the bench…

• Brady House played 3B and went 0-for-2 with a walk and scored a run ahead of Hassell’s hit
• Prior to the 9th, Hassell lined out and struck out, following Jacob Young in CF
• Yoyo Morales took over 1B and was 1-for-3 with an RBI and two whiffs
• Daylen Lile was the second LF and went 0-for-2
• Andrew Pinckney subbed for Crews and was 0-for-2
• Darren Baker followed Trey Lipscomb at 2B and was hitless in two AB

The Nats remain in West Palm Beach on Sunday to host the Mets. Shinnosuke Ogasawara is expected to start. The game can be heard locally on 980AM.