Zimmermann fine after dangerous comebacker, Taylor triples (Nats win 2-1)

NATIONALS QUICK WRAP

Score: Nationals 2, Astros 1

Recap: Jordan Zimmermann allowed one unearned run on three hits with three strikeouts and one walk in four innings. The Nationals got on the board quickly, as Michael A. Taylor led off the game with a triple. He tagged up and scored when Ian Desmond hit a sac fly to right field one batter later. The Nationals took the lead in the seventh when Clint Robinson delivered a triple, scoring Tony Gwynn Jr. Aaron Barrett pitched a scoreless ninth, but only after running into trouble, putting two in scoring position with one out. He escaped the jam, however, to earn the save.

Need to know: Mike Carp was 2-for-2 in the game. After a slow start to the spring, Carp has now run his average up to .313. Taylor's triple was his second of the exhibition season. Doug Fister starts Tuesday against the Tigers, his old ballclub.

On deck: Tuesday, at Detroit Tigers in Lakeland, 1:05 p.m
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VIERA, Fla. - The first two batters of the game reached on an error and a walk before Nationals starter Jordan Zimmermann retired the following three Astros on ground balls.

Astros first baseman Jon Singleton reached on a single in the second, but no harm was done as Zimmermann was able to get out of the inning on two fly balls and a nice play on a grounder by Ryan Zimmerman.

Tense moment for Nationals fans in the third when Robbie Grossman lined a ball sharply back up the middle that hit Zimmermann's glove, knocking him to the ground. Zimmermann got up and located the ball only to throw errantly to first, allowing Grossman to advance all the way to third base. Manager Matt Williams and pitching coach Steve McCatty were quick to the mound to check on Zimmermann, who was fine and stayed in the game. Jonathan Villar singled one batter later to score Grossman and tie the game.

Michael A. Taylor led off the game for the Nats with a triple on a ball hit deep into the right field corner. Taylor then slid in safely to score the Nats' first run after tagging on an Ian Desmond short fly ball to right field.

Mike Carp picked up the Nationals' only other hit on a line drive up the middle in the second. The left-handed Carp is now 4-for-15 this spring as he competes for a spot on the Nats bench.

Bryce Harper has two walks and a stolen base on the day.

The Nationals and Astros are tied 1-1 in the fourth.

Update: Zimmermann completed his day by pitching a perfect fourth inning with two strikeouts. He gave up one unearned run on three hits with three strikeouts and one walk. He threw 61 pitches, 37 for strikes.

Tyler Moore has cooled off a bit today. He's 0-for-3 with two strikeouts.