Nationals Fall to 0-9 in Games That Don't Matter

Who cares?  Strasburg pitches again tomorrow.

Sorry.  Sean Burnett allowed a run in the bottom of the ninth inning after the Nats tied the game in the top of the ninth, as the Nats fell to the Houston Astros 8-7 before former president George H. (and Barbara) Bush in Kissimmee, FL.

Winners and Losers:

Winner:  Scott Olsen.  He went three innings and gave up one run on a couple of wind-aided flyballs, gave up four hits total and did not walk anyone.  Reports have his fastball at 87-88, which is still not where it needs to be, but it is faster than his first start.  He needs to keep improving.

Loser:  Matt Chico.  Chico told reporters after the game he had no feel for his off-speed pitches today and had trouble locating his fastball.  All that spells trouble for a guy that doesn't have a blow-away pitch.  The damage?  One inning, seven hits, six runs, five earned, one walk and no strikeouts.

Winner:  Matt Capps.  He finally had an outing where he didn't give up a runs.  Still, a walk and a hit in one inning.  Not great.

Loser:  Sean Burnett.  He actually took the loss, giving up one run on three hits and a walk in an inning and a third.  He did strike out two in the appearance.  He needs to be the player the Nats think he is or the bullpen is going to get ugly fast.

Winner:  Drew Storen.  Chris Duncan played a pop up into a hit for him, and he walked a guy.  But he worked out of the trouble with two strikeouts.  He's going to be good.  Quickly.

Loser:  Nyjer Morgan.  0-for-4, leaving his spring average at .167.  Also, flat-out dropped a fly ball and misplayed two others.

Winner:  Ryan Zimmerman.  3-for-4, homer, two runs.

Loser:  Elijah Dukes.  Scratched due to a sore toe.

Winner:  Ian Desmond.  2-for-4 with an RBI.  Give the man a job.

Loser:  Chris Duncan.  0-for-2, lowering his average to .118.  Misplayed two pop ups into base hits and and dropped a throw at first base.

Tomorrow:  Stephen Strasburg takes the hill tomorrow in Viera against St. Louis.  Highly doubtful Albert Pujols makes the road trip with his balky back.  Should be exciting nonetheless.