KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Tyler Moore hit a home run, a triple and drove in five runs, leading the Washington Nationals past the Atlanta Braves, 9-8, on Friday.
Moore hit a two-run home run and a bases-loaded triple, and is 4-for-5 after two exhibition games. He hit .231 for the Nationals last year with four homers in 42 games.
Washington starter Jordan Zimmermann pitched two scoreless innings in his spring debut, allowing a hit and a walk.
Zimmermann is part of a starting rotation that includes Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez and Doug Fister. He knows he may be the fifth starter despite going 14-5 with a 2.66 ERA last season.
“My fastball isn’t there just yet, but it was everything I expected on my first day,” Zimmermann said. “I was just pitching to throw strikes.”
Atlanta starter Alex Wood gave up two runs in two innings, including Moore’s homer.
Freddie Freeman homered for the Braves and Pedro Ciriaco had three hits and three RBIs.
Moore is contending for spots at first base and in the outfield. He batted .231 for the Nationals last year with four homers in 42 games.
Zimmermann said there’s an urgency this year for the Nationals, who have been perceived as underachievers for several years.
“We have a great team, but we have a lot of potential free agents this offseason,” Zimmermann said. “This is a big year for all of us.”
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