Nats Fall to Marlins as Mock, Bergmann Struggle

Posted by Dave Nichols | Tuesday, March 30, 2010 | , , , | 0 comments »

A five-run fifth inning against two pitchers did the Washington Nationals in today as they lost another spring training game to the Florida Marlins, 9-5, at Roger Dean Stadium in Juptier, FL before 3,751.

Garrett Mock and Jason Bergmann allowed eight straight batters to reach in the decisive inning.  Bergmann allowed the first five batters he faced in the appearance to reach until he finally registered the last out of the inning.

Mock likely pitched his way of a rotation spot today.  All but assured of the No. 3 spot in the rotation as recently as last week, a poor outing against some Houston minor leaguers last week and today's bad performance might be enough to open the door for 86-MPH throwing Scott Olsen to sneak back in.

Bergmann didnt do himself any favors, either, giving up five hits while getting just one out.  His spring ERA is 6.23.

The Daily Guz:  Cristian Guzman had the opportunity twice today to prove to the organization that his surgically repaired right shoulder was sound, and he failed on both occasions.

He had a throw to the plate that was described as "weak" by the Florida announcing crew, and had another throw from the hole that didn't have enough gas to get Chris Coghlan out at first base.  Guzman also fumbled a grounder for his second scored error of the spring.

He also went 1-for-4, a run-scoring triple.  And he made his first appearance at second base, sliding over in the eighth inning when Eric Bruntlett came into the game.  He did not handle a chance at second.

WINNERS AND LOSERS

Winner:  Jesse English.  For a kid that's never pitched above Double-A, he might just make this team.  Another scoreless inning, striking out the side.  That's something the Nats just don't have a whole lot of, especailly in the pen.

Loser:  Bergmann.  He's looked terrible threeof his last four outings.  He's out of options, so he might be pitching for his job the next couple times out.

Winner:  Tyler Clippard.  Perfect inning.

Loser:  Garrett Mock.  4.2 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 5 BB, 3 K.  The walks, which he had avoided so weel so far this spring, really hurt him today.

Winner:  Mike Morse.  3-for-4 with two runs.

Loser:  Nyjer Morgan.  0-for-4, spring average at .235.

Winner:  Ryan Zimmerman.  1-for-3 with a double.

Loser:  Willy Taveras.  0-for-3 with a strikeout.

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