The Washington Nationals won their fourth game of the preseason against the St. Louis Cardinals by a score of 7-6. The Nationals starting lineup featured many of their regulars today, but it was Zach Walters that had the game winning single in the bottom of the ninth.
February 15, 2013; Viera, FL, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Ross Detwiler (48) throws to first during spring training at Space Coast Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
The Nationals got on the board in the bottom of the first inning when Denard Span scored on a error by Shane Robertson on a Jayson Werth single. The Nationals were unable to capitalize on a big inning after back-to-back strikeouts by Ryan Zimmerman and Adam LaRoche.
The Cardinals answered in the top of the second when Tony Cruz scored on a Justin Christian double play.
Ross Detwiler looked shaky over his two innings of work, scattering four hits and allowing one run. Detwiler was replaced by Craig Stammen in the third inning, who immediately gave up a home run to center fielder Shane Robertson.
Ryan Zimmerman singled in Werth in the top of the second to tie the game at two. In the top of third inning, Kurt Suzuki scored on a Steve Lombardozzi base hit to give the Nats a 3-2 lead.
The exhibition quieted down until the bottom of the sixth when Chad Tracy hit a two run homer off Tyler Lyons.
The Cardinals came squawking back in the top of the seventh to tie the game up in the top of the seventh and briefly took the lead in the top of the eight, before the Nats tacked on runs in the eight and ninth inning to secure the spring training win.