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Washington Nationals Recap: Nats Fall To Marlins In Gio Gonzalez’s Spring Debut

By Matt Holleran

Mar 4, 2016; Jupiter, FL, USA; Washington Nationals manager Dusty Baker (left) greets Miami Marlins manager Don Mattingly (center) at home plate before their spring training game at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2016; Jupiter, FL, USA; Washington Nationals manager Dusty Baker (left) greets Miami Marlins manager Don Mattingly (center) at home plate before their spring training game at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Washington Nationals fell to the Miami Marlins 5-4 today in Gio Gonzalez‘s first appearance of the spring. Highly touted pitching prospect Lucas Giolito also pitched his first two innings of the spring.

The Washington Nationals traveled to Jupiter today to take on the Miami Marlins in their first meeting this spring. The Marlins had a lineup very similar to what you might see from them on Opening Day, including Giancarlo Stanton, Dee Gordon, and Justin Bour.

Gio Gonzalez got the start for the Nationals and did a solid job. Gonzalez allowed only two hits and did not walk a single batter in two innings of work. For Gonzalez to be at his best this season, he will need to limit the number of walks allowed, which is something he did well today.

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The Nationals offense got going in the second inning when Michael Taylor hit a solo home run to deep right center off of Marlins’ starter, Adam Conley. The Marlins struck back in the fourth inning on a RBI single by Bour, and then an RBI double by catcher J.T. Realmuto. Both runs were scored off of Bronson Arroyo. The 39-year-old had a rough first outing with the Nationals, giving up four hits and two runs in just two innings of work.

The Nationals trailed 2-1 coming into the top of the fifth when Wilmer Difo hit a three run homer to right center to give the Nats back the lead, 4-2

After taking the lead, the Nats put in top prospect Lucas Giolito for his first action of the spring. The young right-hander struck out the side in the fifth and gave up only one hit over two scoreless innings of work. His fastball sat 95-97 mph and he paired it with a devastating curveball.

The Nats brought a 4-2 lead into the bottom of the ninth, but were unable to seal the win and a 3-0 start. Paolo Espino gave up back-to-back singles to begin the inning. Two batters later, ex-National Justin Maxwell hit a walk-off three run home run to right to cap the comeback.

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Although the result was not ideal, there were some positives to take from the game. Gonzalez had good control and pitched two scoreless innings and Giolito looked as good as advertised. Nationals’ manager Dusty Baker seemed to be very pleased with Giolito’s outing. Here is what he said after the game via Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post:

The Nationals will continue Grapefruit League play tomorrow afternoon when they host the Detroit Tigers at 1:05 PM ET. Stephen Strasburg will make his first spring start for the Nats against his former teammate, Jordan Zimmermann.

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