Astros score in ninth as Morton solid in start
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Alejandro Garcia singled home a run in the ninth inning to catapult the Astros to a 5-4 victory over the Nationals on Saturday at the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. It was the first run of the spring surrendered by Koda Glover, the Nats' dynamic
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. --
Both teams had their share of defensive miscues throughout the game.
Houston made three errors on a third-inning single from
Morton was effective despite the errors, including a stretch where he struck out five consecutive Nationals hitters, to make up most of his seven punchouts in four innings of two-run ball.
"I felt good out there today, the arm felt good, I thought I mixed in some good pitches," said Morton, who made his fourth Grapefruit League start and is attempting to come back after missing nearly all of last season with surgery to his left hamstring.
Right-hander Joe Ross worked through some tough luck all day as the Nationals made a pair of errors behind him. He gave up four runs (two earned) in 4 2/3 innings on 76 pitches with three strikeouts and a walk. But a positive sign was the life and command of his changeup, the third pitch in his arsenal Ross is trying to develop and throw more frequently.
"It felt really good today," Ross said. "I threw a good amount, especially in the third and fourth inning. A lot more consistent today, especially later in the game. But it felt good. It felt like I wasn't forcing it."
Nats infielder
Astros second baseman Tyler White left the game after being hit on the right hand from a pitch by Ross. White is day-to-day, according to manager A.J. Hinch.
Astros Up Next: Right-hander
Nationals Up Next:
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Jamal Collier covers the Nationals for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter at @jamalcollier.
Glenn Sattell is a contributor to MLB.com.