Morse, Stanton rock Zimmermann for early homers (Nats lose 8-0)

NATIONALS QUICK WRAP

Score: Marlins 8, Nationals 0

Recap: This one was over quickly. A three-run homer by former Nats slugger Michael Morse began a Marlins onslaught in the first against right-hander Jordan Zimmermann. In the second, Marlins left fielder Christian Yelich added a two-run triple and right fielder Giancarlo Stanton followed with a titanic two-run homer. All told, Zimmermann gave up eight runs, seven earned, on nine hits with four strikeouts and no walks.

Need to know: A double by second baseman Yunel Escobar and singles by first baseman Ryan Zimmerman, shortstop Ian Desmond and shortstop Adrian Sanchez were the only hits the Nats could manage on the afternoon. Right-hander Stephen Strasburg is set to start the final Grapefruit League game on Friday against the Yankees in Tampa.

On deck: Friday at Yankees in Tampa, 1:05 p.m.
_______________

JUPITER, Fla. - It's been a tough start for Jordan Zimmermann, as the Nationals right-hander gave up three hits in the first inning, including a three-run homer to former teammate Michael Morse. It was the first home run of the spring given up by Zimmermann and the fifth hit by Morse, the Marlins first baseman.

Yunel Escobar picked up his first extra-base hit of the exhibition season when he doubled in the first. He was stranded after right fielder Bryce Harper flew out to center and first baseman Ryan Zimmerman bounced out to second. Escobar is making his second consecutive Grapefruit League start at third base today.

Update: It didn't get any better for Zimmermann in the second. He surrendered four consecutive two-out hits capped off by a gigantic two-run blast from Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton. The superstar's two-homer left no doubt as it bounced on the roof of the Marlins team offices and then over the building.

Stanton's moonshot came one batter after Marlins left fielder Christian Yelich roped a ball down the right field line that Harper misplayed into a two-run triple.

The Marlins added a run on two more hits off Zimmermann in the third.

Escobar's first-inning double remains the Nats' lone hit.

The Marlins lead the Nats 8-0 in the fourth.