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Washington Nationals Recap: Ryan Zimmerman has big day in split-squad win

By Matt Weyrich

Mar 26, 2016; Jupiter, FL, USA; Washington Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman (11) connects for an RBI single during a spring training game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2016; Jupiter, FL, USA; Washington Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman (11) connects for an RBI single during a spring training game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ryan Zimmerman had three hits and scored in the Washington Nationals’ split-squad 7-2 win over the Atlanta Braves Sunday afternoon. Gio Gonzalez (1-1, 2.84 ERA) got the start for the Nats (16-4) against the Braves’ Jhoulys Chacin (1-1, 3.31) in Viera.

Atlanta scored the first run of the afternoon on a solo home run off the bat of Gordon Beckham in the top of the first inning. The Nats would not let the Braves hold their lead hold for long, however, and struck back quickly in the bottom half of the frame. After Daniel Murphy hit his fourth double of the spring to right field with one out, Bryce Harper drove him in with a single to center. Ryan Zimmerman would step up next only bring Harper home with a single of his own. 2-1 Washington after one.

Both starters would work through a scoreless second, although Gio would spoil Chacin’s bid for a quick 1-2-3 inning with a two-out double. The Nationals struck again in the third. Harper, Zimmerman, and Jayson Werth each reached base to lead off the inning, leaving the bags loaded with no out. Chacin would then retire the next two hitters, but a passed ball and a single by Brendan Ryan brought all three runs home for the Nats. 5-1 Washington.

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Gonzalez would throw six innings in the game, allowing a second run in the fifth off an RBI-single by opposing starter Chacin. He finished his day having allowed only the two runs on seven hits, no walks, and four strikeouts. Washington added on to their lead in the bottom half of the sixth. Ryan Zimmerman drove in his second and third runs of the game with a two-out single that stretched the score to 7-2.

Relievers Sean Burnett and Matt Belisle, who are competing for the final two spots in the bullpen, each completed a scoreless inning of work. Burnett (0.00 ERA this spring) allowed two hits but was able to settle down and finish out the seventh to keep his perfect spring alive. Belisle only faced three hitters in the eighth, forcing an inning-ending double play. Jonathan Papelbon pitched a 1-2-3 inning in the ninth to give the Nats the win.

Notes: Bryce Harper and Daniel Murphy, who were scheduled to play in Friday’s rainout, played the entire game for the first time this spring to get more reps… The Nats’ other split-squad tied the Mets 4-4 in their away game in Port St. Lucie.

Next: Washington Nationals 2016 Player Preview: Tanner Roark

Next Up: The Nationals will host the Miami Marlins Monday afternoon at Space Coast Stadium, with the first pitch scheduled for 1:05 PM ET. Stephen Strasburg (2-0, 3.21) is scheduled to make the start against Miami’s Chris Narveson (1-1, 5.79).

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