Harper gets Nats scoring started (Nats, Astros tie 6-6)

NATIONALS QUICK WRAP

Score: Nationals 6, Astros 6

Recap: Bryce Harper had a two-run double and Ryan Zimmerman added an RBI single as the Nats scored three times in the third inning. Kila Ka'aihue and Rafael Bautista both drove in runs to give the Nationals a 5-4 lead. Doug Fister pitched 2 1/3 innings, giving up two runs, one earned, on four hits, with two strikeouts and two walks. Astros outfielder George Springer took Fister deep for the first of his two home runs on the day. Ian Stewart hit a late homer for the Nats. The Astros tied it in the ninth with two runs off Scott McGregor.

Need to know: A MRI yesterday revealed a mild sprain of Anthony Rendon's left MCL. Manager Matt Williams expects Rendon to be sidelined for at least a week. Not a great fielding day for the Nats, who committed three errors.

On deck: Saturday, split squad vs. Marlins, 1:05 p.m; split squad at Mets in Port St. Lucie, 1:05 p.m.
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VIERA, Fla. - Doug Fister gave up two runs, one earned, on four hits with two walks and two strikeouts in 2 1/3 innings. The tall righty threw 52 pitches overall, 32 for strikes. The earned run came on a homer to Houston's George Springer in the third.

The Nationals answered in the bottom half of the inning when Bryce Harper lined a double into the right field corner, scoring Tony Gwynn Jr. and Ian Desmond. Ryan Zimmerman followed with a single to right, plating Harper.

It's been a sloppy fielding day for the Nationals with three errors through four innings. Ian Desmond and Kevin Frandsen were responsible for two of them on the same play, resulting in the Astros' first run of the game in the second inning.

The Nationals and Astros are tied 3-3 in the fourth.