Zimmerman busts out to pace Nats vs. Marlins
JUPITER, Fla. -- After a rocky first inning, Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg settled into a comfortable groove, retiring 11 of the last 12 he faced on Sunday afternoon. Ryan Zimmerman belted a two-run homer, and had three hits and a walk as Washington defeated the Marlins, 10-4, at Roger Dean Stadium.
Marlins left-hander Adam Conley had his pitch count run up to 37 in the first inning, and lasted 2 2/3 innings, allowing seven runs, with four earned. Strasburg worked 4 1/3 innings, giving up two runs. Strasburg and Conley each finished with 79 pitches, 46 for strikes.
Destin Hood had a two-run single in the first inning. After the first inning, the lone baserunner Strasburg allowed was Hood, who doubled with one out on the fourth.
Zimmerman was a triple shy of the cycle, and connected on his home run -- his first of the spring -- off Javy Guerra in the sixth inning.
The Nationals opened up a five-run lead with four runs, all charged to Conley, in the third inning. Anthony Rendon had an RBI single, and Rafael Bautista's two-run single chased Conley.
"Just not the consistency that you're looking for," Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. "Obviously, we've still got a little time in camp, so we're hoping for that."
In the first inning, the Nationals capitalized on first baseman Justin Bour's error, and scored three unearned runs. Clint Robinson delivered a two-out, three-run double.
Nationals Up Next:Vance Worley will make his first Grapefruit League start when the Nationals host the Yankees on Monday at 1:05 p.m. ET at the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Worley, who is battling for a spot in the Nats' bullpen, has allowed five runs in nine innings through his five appearances this spring. Most of the Nats' starting position players should be in the lineup, including Jayson Werth, who has been nursing a sore knee.
Marlins Up Next: The Marlins take on the Braves at Lake Buena Vista, Fla., on Monday at 1:05 p.m. ET. Right-hander Stephen Fife goes for Miami, with Atlanta starting R.A. Dickey. The Marlins are sending a number of regulars, including Dee Gordon, J.T. Realmuto, Justin Bour, Marcell Ozuna and Adeiny Hechavarria.
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