Nats Bats Flat In 5-1 Loss To Marlins

The Nats mustered just three hits on offense, scoring their lone run on a Carlos Rivero sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 8th in a 5-1 loss to the Marlins this afternoon.

Dan Haren took the loss by virtue of giving up the first Miami run on two hits and no walks. He struck out three. Drew Storen rebounded from his previous outing — a blown save on Sunday — to turn in a scoreless inning, though he hit batter.

As the spring starts to ramp up, more regulars are playing as Zach Walters was the sole minor-leaguer in the starting lineup at shortstop, going 0-for-2 with a strikeout. Rivero made his first infield appearance, taking over at short for Walters.

Other notable minor-leaguers…

• CF Eury Perez, 0-for-1
• RF Corey Brown, 0-for-1, SO
• 1B Chris Marrero, 0-for-1
• 3B Matt Skole, two BB and R
• C Carlons Maldonado, BB
• 2B Will Rhymes, 0-for-1
• LHP Fernando Abad – 1IP, 0H, 0R, 0BB, 1K
• RHP Tanner Roark – 1⅔IP, 4H, 4R, 2BB, 2K
• RHP Erik Davis – 1⅔IP, 1H, 0R, 0BB, 1K, 2-2 IR-S

It’s another night game against the Mets, but you’ll be spared the SNY broadcasters trying to pretend they’re not looking at possible 90-loss team as MASN has the telecast at 6:05 p.m. tomorrow night.