Spring Report

SEEN AND HEARD

Nationals 10, Tigers 4

VIERA, Fla. — Washington used a six-run sixth inning, powered by Ryan Zimmerman’s third home run of the spring, to win its fifth straight game and improve to 10-11-1 in Grapefruit League play.

Nationals starter John Patterson was effective in his next-to-last spring start before he pitches Opening Day on April 2 against the Florida Marlins at RFK Stadium. Patterson allowed only one run — a home run by Chris Shelton — on four hits in four innings. He escaped a bases-loaded jam in the fourth, walking two batters and running his pitch count to 72.

Zimmerman, the Nationals’ designated hitter yesterday, went 2-for-3 with a home run, two RBI and two runs scored. Zimmerman raised his batting average to .420 this spring with a slugging percentage of .740.

Nationals center fielder Nook Logan had a big day from both sides of the plate. The switch-hitter tripled from the right side of the plate in the third inning, scoring Ronnie Belliard, and then doubled in the sixth inning hitting left-handed. Logan went 2-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored.

TEMPERATURE CHECK

ROSTER TRIMMING (UP)

More cuts expected this weekend.

SIMONTACCHI’S HEALTH (DOWN)

Missed important bullpen session with groin injury.

RED-HOT PLAY (UP)

Winning streak reaches five games.

NASA DAY (UP)

Story Continues →