Bryce Harper triples, Mike Carp homers (Nats win 8-2)

NATIONALS QUICK WRAP

Score: Nationals 8, Yankees 2

Recap: Right fielder Bryce Harper got the Nats started early with a RBI triple off Yankees starter CC Sabathia. First baseman Ryan Zimmerman and shortstop Ian Desmond pushed runs across the plate with a single and double, respectively, to give the Nats a three-run first inning. First baseman Mike Carp popped a three-run homer in the seventh, his first of the spring. Right-hander Stephen Strasburg pitched 5 1/3 innings allowing one run on six hits with two walks and five strikeouts.

Need to know: Right-hander Doug Fister will start tomorrow's exhibition game against the Yankees at Nationals Park. Nationals manager Matt Williams indicated that he plans to announce cuts after the game to set to his 25-man opening day roster.

On deck: Saturday, vs. Yankees at Nationals Park, 1:05 p.m. (MASN)
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TAMPA - The Nationals jumped on Yankees starter CC Sabathia early.

Batting third, right fielder Bryce Harper smacked a triple to right, scoring third baseman Yunel Escobar for the game's first run. First baseman Ryan Zimmerman followed with a single up the middle, plating Harper. Two batters later, shortstop Ian Desmond blooped a ball into right field that spun into the stands for a ground rule double, sending Zimmerman across the plate.

The Nats lead the Yankees 3-0 in the second.

Update: The Yankees got a pair of doubles from first baseman Mark Teixeira and third baseman Chase Headley in the fourth to get on the board against Strasburg.

Strasburg has allowed six hits with a walk and five strikeouts through five innings.

Escobar picked up a single in the fifth and then left the game after going 1-for-2. He finishes his limited spring 7-for-22 (.318).

Update II: Nationals manager Matt Williams came to the mound with one out in the fifth to get Strasburg after he gave up his second walk of the day. Strasburg surrendered a run on six hits with two walks and five strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings. His breaking ball was filthy all afternooon. Strasburg's next scheduled start will come against the Mets on Thursday at Nationals Park.

First baseman Mike Carp waited until the last game of the spring to make a case. He finally showed the pop Williams is looking for from a lefty bat off the bench when he hit a three-run shot to straightaway center field in the seventh. Carp is competing for a spot with first baseman/oufielder Clint Robinson and outfielder Matt den Dekker.

The Nats lead the Yankees 7-1 in the eighth.