Thursday, March 3, 2011

Nats Continue NL East Domination, Now 3-0

Another day another Nats win. Seriously, this team is going to go 162-0 this year.

Ok... *Slight* exaggeration...

It stands to reason that this Nats team has more character than previous incarnations, and even 3 games into spring exhibitions it shows. Another day, and some more big hits, backed by quality pitching and defense has the Nats thinking that this organization is going in the right direction.

So far, just about all of the major contenders for the 25 spots on the roster have done good things, both at the plate and in the field. Competition, in this case, seems to be breeding success. Lets highlight the notables from yesterdays 8-4 win over the Florida Marlins.

- Roger Bernadina continued his strong start to Spring Training by crushing a 2-out, 3-run homer off of Marlins' Ace Josh Johnson. In a display of sheer skill, Bernadina then bunted for a base hit in his next at bat. Now 4 for 6 in 3 games, it sounds to me like someone wants a job.

- John Lannan threw 2 solid innings, followed by one not-so-solid inning (which happened to come after a long bottom half of the 2nd). All told, he threw 3 innings giving up 2 runs, with a walk and a strikeout.

- Not to be outdone by Roger Bernadina, Rick Ankiel blasted a solo shot in the 7th to cap off his 1 for 4 day, 2 runs, 1 HR, 1 RBI.

- The Phenom drew his first walk of the spring, a sign of maturity after several quick strikeouts in the past few games. He also came within feet of recording his first Big League home run.

- Captain Zim continued where he left off from last season by gathering 2 RBIs, on a groundout and single, respectively. While LaRoche picked up his first hit of the spring.

- In the battle for backup catcher, Jesus Flores has still yet to record a hit (0 for 2) and Ramos finished out the game going 0 for 1.

- Today's #1 star goes to another starting pitcher, this time its Yunesky Maya. After showing the world that he was adjusted to life outside of Cuba by dominating the Dominican Winter League, Maya hoped to bring the same guile into Nats camp. Granted, its just his first appearance, but in 2 innings, Yunesky showed improved command striking out 3 and allowing just 2 hits. Maya, along with Detwiler, are trying to break into the rotation in front of the likes of Tom Gorzelanny (currently suffering from walking pneumonia) and Jason Marquis (on the docket for Friday).

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