As predicted in the comments, Jake Bennett did draw the Opening Game starting assignment. Alas, he did not pitch well, giving up all four Javelinas runs on four hits (one solo HR) and two walks over four innings. He struck out six.
All three relievers to follow Bennett were also from the Nationals contingent, and were in a familiar role of limiting the damage while waiting for the offense to come off the milk carton:
- Sean Paul Liñan walked four and struck out out three but gave up neither a run nor a hit over two innings.
- Jared Simpson retired all six batters he faced, including three by way of the K.
- Austin Amaral worked around a walk while pitching a scoreless 9th.
All three Washington position players were in the starting lineup – batting 5th, 6th, and 7th.
- Seaver King was the Scorpions’ DH and went 1-for-4 with an RBI single and a stolen base.
- Sam Petersen played left field and went 2-for-3 with a walk and a run scored. He fielded two singles.
- Ethan Petty was in right field but was 0-for-4 with two whiffs. He had one putout and fielded one hit.
Scottsdale remains at home and returns to action tomorrow night. Pablo Aldonis is listed as the starter (opener?).