Strasburg rocked for back-to-back homers (Nats lose 10-2)

NATIONALS QUICK WRAP

Score: Mets 10, Nationals 2

Recap: Right fielder Bryce Harper hit his second home run of the spring in the sixth inning. It was just one of seven hits on the day for the Nationals who have only scored six runs in the past 36 innings. Right-hander Stephen Strasburg was tagged for back-to-back homers in a 32-pitch third inning. Strasburg allowed four runs on four hits with two walks and two strikeouts in four innings.

Need to know: There was a tense moment in the bottom of the sixth when Harper slipped on the warning track while trying to field a ball hit down the right field line by Mets first baseman Lucas Duda. Nats manager Matt Williams and the team trainer went out to check on Harper who stayed in the game. Doug Fister is scheduled to pitch against the Marlins tomorrow at Space Coast Stadium.

On deck: Sunday, vs Miami Marlins, 1:05 p.m.

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - The Mets got to Nationals starter Stephen Strasburg on the second time through the order.

strasburg-throws-white.jpgAfter a double by Mets second baseman Ruben Tejada and a walk to center fielder Juan Lagares, right fielder Curtis Granderson smacked a Strasburg fastball deep over the right field wall for a three-run homer. Third baseman David Wright followed by launching another heater up in the jet stream that sailed onto the right field berm at Tradition Field for back-to-back homers against Strasburg. It was all part of a laborious 32-pitch inning for the Nats tall righty.

Shortstop Danny Espinosa singled off Mets right-hander Jacob deGrom for the Nats first hit of the game. Second baseman Yunel Escobar and first baseman Clint Robinson have the Nats other hits on the day.

Update: There were a couple of intense moments for Nats right fielder Bryce Harper in the sixth inning. First, Harper absolutely crushed a solo home run off deGrom that caromed off the roof of the sun deck bar and into the palm trees well beyond the right field fence. It was Harper's second home run of the spring.

In the bottom half of the inning, Harper slipped on the warning track while attempting to field a ball that Mets first baseman Lucas Duda hit sharply down the right field line. The ball bounced off the side wall and skirted away. Harper jumped up and hurried after it but Duda easily made it to third by the time Harper's throw came in. Harper squatted down for a while, then was doubled over and continued to flex his hand while appearing to favor his right side during a delay for a pitching change. Nats manager Matt Williams and the team trainer jogged out to right field to check on Harper, who eventually stayed in the game.

Right-hander Tanner Roark gave up two homers in 1 1/3 innings. Mets catcher Johnny Monel hit a solo shot off Roark and Duda followed with a two-run blast. Roark has now given up five home runs in 11 1/3 innings this spring as he continues to get used to his new role in the bullpen.

The Mets lead the Nats 10-1 in the eighth.




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