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Washington Nationals Recap: Strasburg, Sizemore fuel Nats 9-5 win over New York

By Matt Weyrich |
Mar 11, 2016; Melbourne, FL, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) delivers a pitch against the New York Mets during a spring training game at Space Coast Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2016; Melbourne, FL, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) delivers a pitch against the New York Mets during a spring training game at Space Coast Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Nationals beat the New York Mets 9-5 Friday afternoon behind three strong innings from Stephen Strasburg and another big day at the plate for Scott Sizemore. Strasburg allowed one run on four hits with two walks and a strikeout over three inning, setting the tone for a Nationals pitching staff that combined to throw five consecutive scoreless innings in the game.

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After two quick innings, New York broke open the scoring in the top of the third off a two out RBI-single by Juan Lagares that brought home former National Roger Bernadina. The Nats would strike right back, however, driving Mets starter Steven Matz out of the game before he could record an out in the inning.

Matz gave up back-to-back walks to Danny Espinosa and Matt den Dekker to lead off the bottom of the third, then allowed a left field single to Sizemore to load the bases. Manager Terry Collins was then forced to pull the 24-year old in favor of left-handed reliever Antonio Bastardo. Unfortunately for New York, singles by Nats outfielder Brian Goodwin and designated hitter Chris Heisey brought three runs in to score that gave Washington the lead for good.

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The Nats’ pitching staff then settled in behind Strasburg, with Oliver Perez, Michael Brady, Felipe Rivero, and Rafael Martin each posting a scoreless inning of work to give Washington a 3-1 lead heading into the bottom of the seventh.

The Nationals would expand on that lead, however, scoring one run in the seventh on an RBI-groundout that drove in Sizemore for his second run of the game. Washington continued rolling on offense in the eighth after Nick Lee pitched a 1-2-3 inning in the top half of the frame. A five run inning was fueled by doubles by Chris Bostick, Jason Martinson, and Logan Schafer, which pushed the game out of reach. Trea Turner walked and stole his third base of the spring in the inning, and Tony Campana had two RBI’s.

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The Mets made it interesting in the top of the ninth in Jonathan Papelbon’s first appearance since leaving camp with an illness Thursday afternoon. New York roughed him up for four runs (three earned) by drawing three walks and bringing in two runs with a single by John Mora with two outs. Tyler Mapes came in to record the final out, but not before an error by Turner allowed a runner to reach.

Notes: Dusty Baker and the rest of his coaching staff made their second round of cuts Friday morning, sending two pitchers to minor league spring training while optioning two others to triple-A Syracuse.

Next Game: The Nats hit the road Saturday evening for a 6:00 PM ET tilt with the Atlanta Braves at Champion Stadium in Kissimmee, Florida.

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