Nats Fall to Marlins

Viera, FL--The old adage says that at this time of spring training the bats are behind the arms. One only need to examine the box scores around the league to find evidence of such. Friday afternoon the Washington Nationals pitchers had a nice day, but the Florida Marlins pitchers were just as good, and the Nats fell 3-1 in front of 2,233 fans in Space Coast Stadium.

Tyler Clippard started for the Nats and pitched two solid innings of work, giving up a solo home run along with two hits and a walk. Jason Stanford followed Clippard, and he surrendered just one hit and struck out one in his two innings. Mike Bascik, famous for giving up Barry Bonds record-setting home run last season, was roughed up for three hits and two runs in one inning, and Saul Rivera was unblemished in his one inning.

The hitting stars for the Nats were Ryan Zimmerman, who went two-for-two, and Bret Boone, trying to make a comeback after being out of the game last season, doubled in his first spring training at bat.

Florida's star was center fielder Alejandro DeAza, who homered off of Clippard in the first inning, and added another hit, RBI and stolen base later in the game.

Article also posted at DC Sports Box.
Photo courtesy of Al Santos, DC Sports Box