Drama for Zimmermann, Uggla homers (Nats top Fish, fall to Braves)

NATIONALS QUICK WRAP

Score: Nationals 4, Marlins 2

Recap: A two-run homer from second baseman Dan Uggla and a two-run single from catcher Wilson Ramos were all the Nationals needed in today's 4-1 victory over the Marlins. Jordan Zimmermann gave up one run on eight hits with four strikeouts in five innings.

Need to know: Marlins starter Henderson Alvarez hit Zimmermann in the left elbow with a fastball in the second inning. Zimmermann, not happy, shouted at Alvarez as he slowly trotted up the first base line. In the fifth inning, Zimmermann retaliated with a fastball of his own that brushed Alvarez back. The two exchanged more words even after Alvarez was thrown out on a bunt attempt in the at-bat.

On deck: Sunday at Detroit Tigers in Lakeland, 1:05 p.m.

Score: Braves 5, Nationals 2

Recap: Nationals starting pitcher Taylor Jordan threw three scoreless innings, allowing just a hit and a walk with a strikeout. Center fielder Michael A. Taylor was 2-for-3 on the afternoon while batting leadoff. First baseman Mike Carp was 1-for-3 with an RBI single.

Need to know: Relievers Evan Meek and Bruce Billings gave up all five Braves runs.

VIERA, Fla. - The Nationals erupted for a four-run fourth inning. After Ian Desmond singled and Bryce Harper walked, Wilson Ramos cracked a base hit up the middle to score both. One batter later, second baseman Dan Uggla pounded a ball over the right field wall for a two-run homer.

Uggla is 2-for-2 on the day and is now batting .346 with two home runs and six RBIs this spring as he attempts to grab a spot on the Nats' opening day roster.

Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon led off the game with a triple and scored moments later on a single by Adeiny Hechavarria. That's the only run that Nationals starter Jordan Zimmermann allowed through five innings while scattering eight hits with four strikeouts. His spring ERA is now 1.32.

There was a tense moment in the second inning when Zimmermann came to the plate for his first spring at-bat. Marlins starter Henderson Alvarez came up and in on a fastball that hit Zimmermann on the left elbow. Zimmermann was fine, but had words for Alvarez as he walked slowly up the first base line while the home plate umpire followed closely.

Coincidentally, Alvarez led off in the third against Zimmermann. Alvarez backed out of the box as Zimmermann's first-pitch strike was right down the middle and then grounded out to Desmond on the next pitch.

Zimmermann saved the drama for the fifth when Alvarez came to the plate for the second time. Zimmermann's first-pitch fastball brushed Alvarez out of the box. The Marlins big righty began yelling back and forth with Zimmermann while motioning to the home plate ump to do something about the Nats starter. After Alvarez was thrown out on a bunt attempt on the next pitch, he and Zimmermann continued their jawing in front of the mound. Eventually, Alvarez made his way to the Marlins dugout.

Tuck that one away until May 4 when the Marlins visit Nationals Park for the first regular season meeting between the two National League East rivals.

The Nats lead the Marlins 4-1 in the sixth.