Worth noting

• Shortstop Ian Desmond fell a triple short of hitting for the cycle. Desmond, whose solo homer in the top of the fifth put the Nationals ahead, 3-2, scored two runs and stole a base.

Eight players in franchise history have hit for the cycle. Only Brad Wilkerson and Cristian Guzman have accomplished the feat since the team moved to Washington, doing so in April 2005 and August 2008, respectively.

• Bryce Harper finished 0-for-2 with a walk, a run scored and a fielding error in his return from the flu-like symptoms that bothered him on Sunday. He has three walks in six plate appearances in two games this spring.

• Hall of Famer and former Orioles third baseman Cal Ripken Jr. threw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to Tuesday's contest.