The Nats got a competent job out of starter Jason Marquis and Josh Willingham hit a two-run home run to lead Washington over the New York Mets 9-3 at Digital Domain Park, formerly Tradition Field, home of the Mets.
Big news of the game: No Errors!
Adding to the absurdity that has become the 2010 Washington Nationals Spring Training, former shortstop Cristian Guzman started at second base and actually played the ninth inning in right field.
Bill Ladson of MLB.com reported after the game via his twitter feed:
Cristain Guzman is willing to play the corner outfield positions. He is going to see playing time at six different positions in 2010.
Outstanding.
This on the heels of the announcement this morning by Manager Jim Riggleman that Willy Taveras, he of the lifetime .262/.309/.326 line against left handed pitchers, would be the right-handed hitting platoon with Willie Harris in rightfield.
Just when you thought the Nationals didn't have a plan.
WINNERS AND LOSERS
Winner: Jason Marquis. Three earned runs in five innings on six hits with no walks and four strikeouts. Has to quailfy for his best start of the spring. Just in time.
Loser: Adam Kennedy. He went 0-for-4, but made a nice diving stop to start what should have been a 4-6-3 double play, only the ump at second missed it.
Winner: Josh Willingham. He went 2-for-3 with a homer and three RBIs.
Winner: Ian Desmond. 0-for-1, but walked twice and scored with a stolen base. No errors.
Winners: Bruney, Bergmann, Burnett and Walker each went a scoreless inning of relief.
Loser: John Maine. Couldn't get out of the fifth inning as he gave up six hits and four walks. The Mets are in big trouble mister.
Tomorrow the Nats travel to lovely Ft. Myers on the Gulf Coast to face the Red Sox, then the boys come home to host the Sawx on Saturday. The roster still stands at 35, so ten more players have to face The Axe.
I'd dump out my Kool Aid, but it is April Fool's Day.