VIERA, Fla. - John Lannan pitched six efficient innings and the Washington Nationals pounded out 12 hits in a 4-1 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Saturday.
Felipe Lopez, Ryan Zimmerman, Nick Johnson, Austin Kearns and Rob Mackowiak each had two hits for the Nationals.
``It was a well-played game,'' Nationals manager Manny Acta said. ``I like the way we've been playing. We've been playing good team baseball all spring training.''
The 23-year-old Lannan, vying along with Matt Chico for the final starting spot in the Nationals' rotation, had a no-hitter through four innings.
He allowed one run and three hits, while striking out two and walking two. He threw just 64 pitches.
``This is my first big league spring training. Coming in here and battling for a spot is pretty overwhelming at times,'' Lannan said. ``Whoever ends up in the rotation deserves it. It's not going to be the whole staff for the whole year, so whatever happens, happens.''
Jeff Francoeur got the first hit off Lannan (2-0) to lead off the fifth inning, and Chipper Jones drove in the only run against the left-hander with a double in the sixth inning.
Jair Jurrjens (2-2) took the loss for Atlanta, allowing four runs and 10 hits in five innings. He struck out three and walked one.
Gerald Plexico threw one pitch in his spring training debut to earn his first save for Washington. Kearns was 2-for-3 with a double, an RBI and a run scored, while Mackowiak was 2-for-3 with a walk and an RBI. Jesus Flores and Ronnie Belliard also drove in runs for the Nationals.
Friday
May 2nd, 2025
9:18PM
