Jose Lobaton flashing the lumber (another tie for Nats)

NATIONALS QUICK WRAP

Score: Nationals 1, Cardinals 1 (nine innings)

Recap: Jordan Zimmermann allowed just one run on four hits with two walks, a hit batter and four strikeouts in six innings. Catcher Jose Lobaton drove in the Nats' only run when he doubled home second baseman Dan Uggla in the second. It was part of a 3-for-3 day for Lobaton that included two doubles.

Need to know: The Nats offense is sputtering the past three games, having scored only four runs in 27 innings. Reliever Drew Storen loaded the bases in the seventh on two hits and a walk in just his second appearance of the spring. He was able to get a double play to get out of the jam. Righty Stephen Strasburg is scheduled to return to the mound tomorrow against the Mets.

On deck: Saturday, at Mets at Port St. Lucie, 1:05 p.m.
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VIERA, Fla. - Catcher Jose Lobaton delivered the game's biggest hit so far when he roped a double to the right-center field gap, scoring second baseman Dan Uggla from first base for the game's first run. Lobaton added another double in the fourth for a 2-for-2 day.

Tony Gwynn Jr., playing left field today, singled to lead off the game. Gwynn is looking more and more like a lock to make the Nats' opening day roster. He's 1-for-2 on the day, but also reached on an error leaving his spring average at a robust .361.

The Cardinals evened up the score in the fourth when right fielder Randal Grichuk singled and then advanced to third on first baseman Matt Adams' double. Grichuk crossed the plate on shortstop Pete Kozma's ground out.

Jordan Zimmermann has allowed one run on four hits with two walks and three strikeouts through four innings. He's expected to go six today.

First baseman Ryan Zimmerman left the game after the second inning and was replaced by Mike Carp. Zimmerman made a beautiful diving stop on a ground ball for an out to end the first. In the second, he leaped high in the air in an unsuccessful attempt to catch a wild throw from third baseman Ian Stewart. Zimmerman drew a walk in his only plate appearance. No word on the reason for his early departure.

Update: Zimmermann's day is done. The righty gave up one run on four hits with two walks and four strikeouts in six innings. His spring ERA is now 1.37 in 19 2/3 innings.

Gwynn picked up another single in the fifth.

Update II: Right-hander Drew Storen made his second appearance of the spring when he entered the game to start the seventh. Storen had not pitched in a Grapefruit League league game since left hand surgery on March 13 to remove the hook of the hamate bone.

Storen loaded the bases on two hits and a walk but was able to get out of the jam when Cardinals second baseman Jacob Wilson bounced into a double play.

Lobaton is now 3-for-3 with two doubles. He and Gwynn account for five of the Nats' six hits on the afternoon. Right fielder Bryce Harper picked up the other on a single in the first.

This is the third straight game that the Nats offense has struggled badly.

The Nationals and Cardinals are tied 1-1 in the eighth.