Washington Nationals earn 5-3 win against Detroit Tigers at 2012 Spring Training - MLB Update
Washington Nationals register a 5-3 win against Detroit Tigers on March 29, 2012 as their starter Tyler Clippard throws two scoreless innings at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Florida
during their Grapefruit League outing.
Manager Davey Johnson used Clippard as per the plan and importantly he delivered.
Couple of weeks ago, Johnson revealed his strategy as to how he will employ him on the mound and in light of the fact, as he believed sending him for lengthy duties on the mound will hamper
his efficiency, he cut his work down.
Clippard stepped on the mound in the sixth and struck-out one while walking none. He rightly controlled the damage that was likely to take Nationals toward defeat, as starter Mitch Atkins had
already given up three runs on four hits.
Chad Tracy, entered as a designated hitter, came across five at-bats and brought one RBI on two hits he managed for Nationals. Along with him, Nationals witnessed Steve Lombardozzi, their second
baseman, hitting thrice on four at-bats while adding one run of his own.
Tigers’ right fielder Brennan Boesch drew criticism as he attempted big hits even when the type of pitches he faced demanded a different treatment.
Showing power is great, but for the second number, it is hardly consistent with the role, especially when sluggers like Prince Fielder have to follow in the play.
However Tigers’ manager, Jim Leyland, is happier even with this and asserts his strategy to fetch runs from this spot as opposed to relying largely on walks.
"I want just what you saw tonight," Leyland said. "At No. 2 in this lineup, he is in the perfect spot. I've hit power guys in that spot before. We'll do whatever it takes to score runs and
Brennan Boesch is in the right spot."
Regardless of his role, Boesch did add a valuable contribution and as he faced three at-bats, he triggered three RBIs on one hit and completed one run.
Nationals are breezing through their Spring Training assignments and moving closer to regular season. With this kind of momentum, they are well-poised to deliver a thumping performance in the
season.
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