Nats Outslug Cards, 9-6
Highlighted by a two-run Juan Soto shot in the 3rd, the Nats scored in six of seven innings to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 9-6 win over the Cards yesterday afternoon in Jupiter, fla..
Aníbal Sánchez made his spring debut and and gave up a run on two hits and no walks while fanning two. Jhonatan German was credited with the win (and a blown save), though he pitched poorly: two runs on one hit and one walk in one inning, plus a wild pitch.
Carter Kieboom was the lone watchlister to get the start, as he manned third base and did not commit an error. He went 1-for-3 with a walk.
Other notable minor-leaguers to appear in the game were:
- James Bourque worked around a walk and a botched pickoff attempt while putting up a zero in the 6th.
- Jakson Reetz pinch-ran for Kurt Suzuki and took over catching duties. He reached base twice on a single and a walk and scored twice.
- Yadiel Hernandez subbed for Soto in LF and went 1-for-2 with a walk and a run scored.
- Raudy Read pinch-hit for DH Howie Kendrick and wen 0-for-1 with a walk and a whiff.
- Jake Noll was the third DH and was 1-for-2
- Luis Garcia replaced Wilmer Difo at SS and flew out in the 8th.
- Drew Ward was the third 1B (following Eric Thames and a Jacob Wilson) and struck out in the 8th. He committed the third and final Nats error (throw) in the 9th.
The Nats stay on the road this afternoon with a trip to Tampa to play the Yankees. Joe Ross is slated to make his first ST start. The game can be seen on MLB.tv (away feed).
So far Reetz is having a terrific spring. Keep it up Jakson.
It good to see a lot of ‘our guys’ getting a chance.
The Yadiel chorus should be happy seeing his PT this spring.
Fitting that Taylor Hearn has ended up with the Rangers since his Grandpa Cleo is a Hall of Fame Fort Worth roper / steer rassler..
Luke — Thanks for the write-ups. Gives us hope that we’re getting close to the season! I haven’t really commented because there hasn’t been much yet to comment on, particularly regarding “our guys.” Crowe’s outing, despite the bomb, was reasonably encouraging. It’s very good news that Reetz’s knee seems back to full speed after the injury in AZ. As we’ve discussed on Todd’s site, I think it will be interesting to see if Wilson can do enough to position himself as a potential INF utility minors/majors shuttle guy if/when Difo and Sanchez get DFA’d.
Count me among those who will be really surprised if Kieboom sticks with the big club at the end of camp, for more than just service-time reasons. I think what his performance will dictate has more to do about whether they’ll be looking to call him up at the end of April, or the end of June (Super Two time).
Given his struggles in the field defensively and you have to figure it will be some time before he ramps up offensively … maybe the Nats find a way to deal for a third bagger? At this moment I fear that former Cardinal first round pick Jacob Wilson looks better at third base. That can’t be good for CK?
I’m hoping Jacob Wilson crushes it this spring and forces himself on to the big club.
I hope Jacob Wilson continues to have a great spring training! I would love to see him make the team!
Sorry Mr. Peric but Jacob was picked by the Cards in the 10th round.
Agreed, I am rooting for Wilson. He’d be optionable depth, too, so the Nats wouldn’t lock themselves into a tough decision down the road by adding him to the roster.
The Nats should be fine at 3B with Cabrera and (possibly) Kendrick. Kieboom should be ready at some point, although that point may not be until mid-season.