WEST PALM BEACH, FL – The Washington Nationals fell to the Tampa Bay Rays by a score of 11-5, as a hot start by the offense was undone by shaky pitching and a power surge from Tampa Bay’s lineup. Michael Soroka took the mound for the Nationals, while the big three of CJ Abrams, James Wood, and Dylan Crews held the first three spots of the lineup. Because today was also day two of the Spring Breakout series, there was little to no top prospect involvement.

The pitching staff struggled to contain the Rays. At least this time the runs were earned, and not a result of shaky defense as the team had zero errors this afternoon. Soroka went 4.0 innings, surrendering six runs on five hits while walking six batters. He worked around traffic early but was tagged for two home runs in the fourth inning, including a three-run shot by Jake Mangum that erased Washington’s early lead. Wilmer Arias followed in relief and allowed a solo homer to start the fifth, while Kyle Finnegan also gave up a home run to Mangum in the sixth on his first pitch of the day. Derek Law allowed another run, but Patrick Weigel was a bright spot, striking out the side in a scoreless eighth inning.

The lineup showed early promise, collecting eight hits and five runs in total, but it was quiet after the first few innings. James Wood continued his strong spring with a two-run homer in the first, his fourth of camp. Moments later, Luis García Jr. followed with a solo shot of his own, and José Tena capped the inning with an RBI double to give Washington a 4-2 lead. The final Nationals run came in the fifth, when Wood reached base and later scored on a double-play ball. However, the offense stalled as substitutions were made, finishing the game with 32 at-bats, three walks, and six strikeouts.

Meanwhile, Andrés Chaparro remained out of the lineup after leaving batting practice on Friday with an oblique strain. Manager Dave Martinez confirmed after the game that Chaparro will start the season on the injured list, which re-opens the door for another bench bat like Tena to make the roster.

Up next:

The Nationals will take on the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday at 1:05 PM, with left-hander MacKenzie Gore making the start. The game will not be televised but can be followed on 106.7 The Fan. Following that, Washington will host the Houston Astros on Tuesday before a road matchup against the Cardinals on Wednesday.