Nats offense pounds Verlander while Strasburg is dominant (Nats win 6-4)

NATIONALS QUICK WRAP

Score: Nationals 6, Tigers 4

Recap: Tony Gwynn Jr. and Kila Ka'aihue homered off Tigers starter Justin Verlander who gave up four runs on five hits. Meanwhile, Stephen Strasburg shut out the Tigers in his four frames, allowing just three hits with five strikeouts. Nats reliever Jerry Blevins had a rough outing, allowing a three-run homer to Tigers left fielder Tyler Collins in the eighth.

Need to know: Bryce Harper was 0-for-3 with with two strikeouts and is now hitting just .176 in 17 at-bats this spring. Two of Ka'aihue's three hits have been home runs this exhibition season. He shares the team lead with infielder Ian Stewart in Grapefruit League play. Doug Fister makes his third start tomorrow against the Marlins in Jupiter.

On deck: Wednesday at Miami Marlins in Jupiter, 1:05 p.m.
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LAKELAND, Fla. - Stephen Strasburg was dominant at times today as he threw four scoreless innings while scattering three hits with five strikeouts and no walks. He lowered his spring ERA to 3.18 after two starts.

A.J. Cole was solid in three innings of work, although the young prospect did allow a solo homer to Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler. Overall, Cole gave one run on two hits with two strikeouts.

The Nationals pounded Tigers starter Justin Verlander for four runs on five hits in four innings.

Ian Desmond tripled and Wilson Ramos singled him home to get things going quickly in the first. Nats center fielder Tony Gwynn Jr. added a solo homer in the third and left fielder Kila Ka'aihue delivered a two-run shot off Verlander in the fourth. It was Gwynn's first home run of the spring, but his 10th hit as he now raises his average to .417.

The Nationals lead the Tigers 6-4 in the eighth.