Marlins & Nats Combine For 7 Homers, But Fish Fall 11-7
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VIERA (CBSMiami/AP) – It was basically a home run derby between the Miami Marlins and Washington Nationals on Sunday, with the Nats going home with an 11-7 win.
The Nats were aided by Bryce Harper's second homer in as many days and Jose Lobaton's three-run blast in the eighth.
"Balls were hit, but it's difficult for both sides to have control in wind like that," Nationals manager Matt Williams said. "The ball gets up in the wind and it helps push it a little bit, too."
Michael Taylor homered off Ted Koehler leading off the bottom of the first, Yunel Escobar singled and Harper followed with his third home run of spring training.
Wilson Ramos hit a solo homer in the third off Koehler, who gave up six runs and 10 hits in four innings. Lobaton connected against Nick Masset.
Miami had consecutive home runs in the third against Doug Fister, with Marcell Ozuna hitting a two-run drive followed by Jarrod Saltalamacchia's homer. Giancarlo Stanton hit a two-run homer in the third, his third home run of spring training.
After the game, Stanton declared he was ready for the regular season.
"Yeah, this is the point where it's time to get the kinks out the last couple of days and let `er rip," he said.
Fister gave up six runs and eight hits in four innings, and has allowed five homers in his past two starts.
In total seven bombs were launched.
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STARTING TIME
Marlins: Koehler was not happy with his outing, but like Fister, he put more of the onus on himself for not keeping the ball down. "Have them hit the ball on the ground and they can't hit a home run," Koehler said. "I just (need) to do a better job of sticking the fastball down on both sides of the plate."
Nationals: Fister said he was actually starting to feel "a lot more like myself" and blamed himself for not keeping the ball down. "I left the ball up and that's what definitely allowed them to get good contact on the ball," he said.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Marlins: RHP Jarred Cosart (blister) was scheduled to throw a bullpen Sunday in Jupiter before possibly returning to the rotation. If all went well, he could pitch in the Marlins' final spring game, then slot in at the back end of the rotation.
Nationals: RHP Casey Janssen is expected to have a MRI on his right shoulder on Monday. "He's having a little trouble getting loose, so we're going to have a test done," Williams said. ... 1B Ryan Zimmerman (back/shoulder) took ground balls and went through a regular batting practice session Sunday. He is expected back in the lineup on Monday. ... LF Jayson Werth (shoulder surgery) felt what manager Matt Williams said was normal "spring training soreness" after his first full BP session Saturday. While Williams still isn't ruling Werth out for opening day, he admitted "I think that's a stretch, probably." ... Williams also said opening day "is in jeopardy" for 3B Anthony Rendon (MCL strain).
RIZZO SPEAKS
Despite all of the injuries that have befallen them this spring, Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo told reporters Sunday he doesn't see the need to make any moves before opening day.
"I think we're satisfied with what we have," Rizzo said.
UP NEXT
Nationals: Minor-leaguer Taylor Jordan gets the start on the road against St. Louis and Michael Wacha.
Marlins: Dan Haren takes the mound as the Marlins visit the Mets. Rafael Montero is scheduled to throw for New York.
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