Nats win both split squad games
The Washington Nationals had a good day in the Grapefruit league, playing a pair of split squad games. The two young Nats having sensation springs, Bryce Harper and Anthony Rendon, were back at it today.
In game one, the Nats defeated the NY Mets 8-5. Bryce Harper started the Nats out on the right path, smacking a three run home runs in the first inning. Harper is settling in quite comfortably batting in the third position behind leadoff hitter Denard Span and second batter Jayson Werth. He ended the game going 2 for 4 with a home run, 2 runs scored and 4 RBI. Harper is now batting .455 in spring, collecting 18 hits in 40 plate appearances. Of Harper's 18 hits, h has 7 extra base hits,, including 2 doubles, triple, and 4 home runs. He has also driven in 12 runs. Ryan Zimmerman and Danny Espinosa also collected two hits apiece. Zimmerman is batting .478 (11 for 23) this spring. Zimmerman, Tyler Moore, and Kurt Suzuki each had an RBI. Jordan Zimmermann put up his best performance on the mound this spring, tossing 4.2 innings and allowing 4 hits and 1 run while fanning 6 Mets.
In game two, the Nats defeated the Astros 9-7. 2011 6th overall pick Anthony Rendon provided the sparks for the Nats, going 4 for 5 at the plate and driving in 3 runs and smacking his 4th homer of the season, which ties Harper for the team lead. Rendon raised spring batting average to .432, collecting 16 hits in 37 at bats. Rendon has 4 doubles and 5 homers. Pitcher turned position player Micah Owings was 3 for 5 at the plate. He doubled twice and knocked in two runs. Corey Brown and Will Rhymes each collected two hits in the 17 hit onslaught by the Nats. Ryan Ohlendorf allowed 5 hits, 3 walks, and 4 runs over 3 innings as the Nats starter.
The Nats should be making another round of roster reductions soon. Stay tuned.
