Spring Training Game 28: Washington Nationals 9, Atlanta Braves 3 (8 innings–rain)
March 18, 2013; Viera, FL, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann (27) delivers a pitch against the Detroit Tigers during the spring training game at Space Coast Stadium. Detroit beat Washington 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
The Washington Nationals hosted the Atlanta Braves at Space Coast Stadium on Sunday. The Nats won the game 9 to 3 in a game in which the windy, rainy weather was a factor working against Braves starter Kris Medlin.
Jordan Zimmermann was the Nationals starter, and he had another good outing. Jordan went six innings, giving up one earned run and six hits during his start. Zimmermann struck out four. The Braves did not get a hit against Jordan until the beginning of the fourth inning, when Andrelton Simmons singled. The Braves RBI’s were contributed on singles by Tyler Pastornicky, Dan Uggla and Juan Francisco.
Danny Espinosa had a good day at the plate, going three for three with a home run and three runs batted in. Unfortunately, he also committed the error that lead to two unearned runs for the Braves. Steve Lombardozzi doubled in his only appearance at the dish today, in a late inning pinch hit situation.
Bryce Harper played Sunday after being held out of yesterday’s game due to a bruised thumb he suffered in Friday’s game. The thumb injury did not seem to affect Bryce much at the plate. Harper doubled, singled and stole two bases. Adam LaRoche also had a nice day at the plate, going two for four, with one of hits a home run, and collecting three RBI’s. Jayson Werth and Kurt Suzuki also had RBI’s for the club.
The Nationals got to Medlin early and often, which rarely happens against the Braves pitcher. Medlin pitched five innings and gave up six earned runs. Medlin admitted after the game that the rain and very windy conditions were affecting his pitches and his delivery.
The Braves were not able to get a hit against Ryan Mattheus in the seventh inning, or against Tyler Clippard in the eighth inning.
The field conditions deteriorated during the game, with puddles accumulating in the infield. At the end of the eighth inning, with the rain and wind continuing to be a problem and the Nats ahead by six, the umpires ended the game.
Next Game: Monday, March 25th at 6:05 p.m. at the Houston Astros. This game will be shown on “delay” by MLB Network at 3:00 a.m Tuesday morning, for those of you who don’t have to get up early.