Washington Nationals suffer 3-6 defeat against Detroit Tigers in Spring Training - MLB Update
Edwin Jackson cost Washington Nationals a 3-6 loss against Detroit Tigers as he leaked four runs in over three innings he pitched in a game played at Space Coast Stadium in Melbourne, Florida on March 13, 2012 during their Spring Training Grapefruit League
clash.
First inning lead taken by Tigers remained unchallenged throughout the game as they kept mounting it up gradually. The fact Nationals’ pitchers were put under pressure from the beginning; at no occasion did they look convincing to get some runs. Inability
to post a reasonable reply by batters in the second, third and fourth inning further demoralised their pitchers. Perhaps they were left with little stimulus to fight their way out.
Following two scoreless games he relished, Jackson had hardly imagined he will fall flat so quickly. Although unable to hurt his confidence, his performance was fairly ordinary. He conceded two earned runs, allowed five hits while giving two walks.
“It's the best I've felt (this spring)," Jackson said. "The results (were) not necessarily the best, but it's spring training. We get caught up in results in spring training, when spring training is a time where you're getting ready for the season. That's
what we're out there doing.”
Jackson was not entirely responsible for his below par performance and fielding errors let him down on a number of occasions. If Jason Michaels had grabbed fly ball coming off Tigers’ Clete Thomas, the inning would have come to an end and Ryan Rayburn who
then went on to hit a two-run homer could be avoided.
Tigers were fortunate to have very good start from Duane Below, a candidate for number five starter for the side, who drew two strike-outs while conceding only one run in four hits. Following him was Adam Wilk, who while keeping the pressure allowed no run
in over two innings he spent on the mound.
"They both did well," manager Jim Leyland said. "Wilky really pitched good. He had a good changeup. They're doing fine."
This loss has halted the progress that the Nationals have been able to register so far in Spring Training and while defeats barely matter much, it is the bugs and flaws seen in their pitchers that they will be looking to work at in the next couple of games.
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