Nationals pick up first wins of their spring

Posted Mar 16, 2010 by TBO.com

Updated Mar 16, 2010 at 09:14 PM

VIERA — Sure, they’re only exhibition games. But it’s still nice to win — especially for a team that had been 0-for-spring training.

The Washington Nationals, who led the majors last year with 103 losses, ended an 0-11 skid Tuesday with a pair of split-squad victories. They beat the Florida Marlins 12-3 with four home runs, including a grand slam by Willie Harris.

Bench coach John McLaren, who guided the Nationals while manager Jim Riggleman led the group that beat St. Louis 4-2, was relieved Washington’s two-week slump was over.

“We’re not trying to win the Grapefruit League,” he said. “Our drills have been good and we’ve had nothing to show it.

“I really think the staff will sleep better than anybody because (the losing streak) was creating kind of a monster,” he said.

Harris’ eighth-inning shot came off Taylor Tankersley. Ryan Zimmerman, Kevin Mench and pinch-hitter Cristian Guzman also homered for Washington.

Nationals (ss) 4, Cardinals 2

JUPITER — Ivan Rodriguez drove in three runs, leading John Lannan and Washington’s split squad over Kyle Lohse and St. Louis.

Lohse gave up four runs on seven hits and two walks in four innings. Lannan, projected to be the Nationals’ starter on opening day, allowed an unearned run and two hits in four innings.

Jaime Garcia, hoping to earn the fifth spot in the Cardinals’ rotation, struck out seven in three innings.

Orioles 3, Twins 1

FORT MYERS — Minnesota star Joe Mauer got two hits in his return from a four-day absence, and the Baltimore Orioles beat the Twins.

Mauer had been out while resting a sore right shoulder. The three-time AL batting champion and reigning MVP is hitting .600 this spring.

Twins opening-day starter Scott Baker threw four shutout innings. Chad Moeller put the Orioles ahead with a two-run homer in the sixth against reliever Clay Condrey.

Phillies 6, Tigers 1

CLEARWATER — Ryan Howard hit his first home run of the spring and highly touted Domonic Brown connected twice, leading Cole Hamels and the Philadelphia Phillies over the Detroit Tigers.

Hamels held the Tigers to an unearned run and two hits in five innings. He struck out four and walked none.

Howard launched a two-run drive off Justin Verlander. Brown also connected against the Tigers ace and finished 3 for 3 with a walk and four RBIs.

Astros 3, Red Sox (ss) 0

KISSIMMEE — With Brad Mills managing against his former team, Roy Oswalt allowed two hits in four innings to lead the Houston Astros over Boston’s split squad.

Mills was Terry Francona’s bench for six seasons before the Astros hired him as manager last October.

Oswalt struck out one and walked one. His previous turn was rained out, and he has pitched six scoreless innings in spring training.

Braves 6, Marlins (ss) 3

KISSIMMEE — Florida ace Josh Johnson struggled through three innings and the Atlanta Braves beat a Marlins split squad.

Johnson allowed four runs on five hits and three walks. Chipper Jones, Troy Glaus, and Brandon Hicks each had two hits for Atlanta.
-The Associated Press