
NATIONALS WALK OFF WINNERS IN PRE-SEASON OPENING CLASSIC OVER CUBS
Eternal Baseball
WASHINGTON D.C. – The Nationals and Cubs kicked off their pre-seasons with Washington notching a walkoff 3-2 win on Ryan Zimmerman’s infield single in the bottom of the ninth inning Monday night.
Both teams are expected to compete in their respective divisions this season, but the Nationals put their best foot forward on Monday. Washington scored first, with Anthony Rendon’s double off the left field wall scoring Trea Turner for 1-0 first inning lead. Starter Max Scherzer pitched six strong innings, allowing two earned runs on Billy Williams’ 4th inning two-run 387-foot home run to right field. Nationals relievers Tyler Clippard, Blake Treinen, and Rafael Soriano each delivered a scoreless inning out of the bullpen.
Chicago ace Mordecai Brown had a strong performance as well (two earned runs over eight innings), but allowed the game-tying run when Rendon’s second double of the night again scored Turner to tie the score at 2-2 in the sixth inning. After Brown struck out Juan Soto to end the eighth inning, Chicago skipper Leo Durocher summoned Carlos Marmol from the bullpen. Marmol delivered a ninth inning he’d like to forget, allowing a Jayson Werth single to left field that Billy Williams bobbled, allowing Werth to take second base.
An intentional walk to Daniel Murphy brought up Nationals catcher Brian Schneider, who promptly singled to center to load the bases. With one out, pinch hitter Ryan Zimmerman slashed a sharp grounder to Kris Bryant at third base. Jayson Werth was off with the pitch, and slid home safely under Cap Anson’s tag. Rafael Soriano (1-0) earned his first win of the season, while Marmol (0-1) took the loss.
Aside from the pre-season opening loss and a shaky performance from one of their most important relievers, the Cubs are worried about star catcher Gabby Hartnett’s availability for Tuesday’s game. Nationals shortstop Trea Turner fouled a pitch straight back leading off the top of the first. The ball struck Hartnett’s mask and he was removed from the game to be examined. Hartnett was replaced by backup Cap Anson for the remainder of the game. If Hartnett misses significant time, Chicago could summon catchers Kyle Schwarber or Frank Chance from their top minor league affiliate in Iowa.
Tuesday night brings game two of this pre-season opening series. Chicago turns to left-hander Hippo Vaughn while Washington hands the ball to righty Jordan Zimmerman. First pitch from Nationals Park is tomorrow at 7:05 PM EST.

Photo credit: Nationals Park Sunset by Rudi Riet
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