Harper in center, Nats grab early lead

By Dan Kolko

Nationals

March 16, 2012, 9:24am

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TAMPA, Fla. - The Nationals made a late change to their lineup - there have been a lot of those lately - a bit prior to first pitch, moving Bryce Harper from right field to center, and having Brett Carroll slide over to right. This marks Harper's second start in center field in the last three days; the 19-year-old was the Nats' starting center field against the Braves on Wednesday. Here's the Nats' updated lineup that is facing CC Sabathia: SS Ian Desmons 3B Steve Lombardozzi 1B Mark DeRosa DH Wilson Ramos C Jesus Flores LF Jason Michaels RF Brett Carroll CF Bryce Harper 2B Andres Blanco Gio Gonzalez gets the start for the Nats. He'll be followed to the mound by Craig Stammen, Sean Burnett and Tyler Clippard. The Nats jumped on top of Sabathia in the top of the first, scoring twice. Washington got doubles from Desmond and Flores and a single from Lombardozzi. Flores' double came with two outs, plating the Nats' second run of the frame. It's 2-0 Nats as Gonzalez takes the mound for D.C.