NATIONALS 16, ASTROS 2
at Kissimmee, Fla.
Thursday, March 22

Nationals at the plate: Every Nationals starter besides Austin Kearns logged at least one hit. Cristian Guzman went 3-for-4, and Jesus Flores (3-for-5) knocked a two-run homer off Astros starter Chris Sampson during the Nats' six-run first frame. Ryan Church went 3-for-5 with five RBIs.

Astros at the plate: The Astros had only one hit through their first four innings -- Craig Biggio's infield single in the first frame. Jason Lane ended the Astros' hitless string in the fifth with a one-out single. The Astros scored two runs in the fifth inning on a D'Angelo Jimenez error after a Biggio popup.

Nationals on the mound: Right-hander Jerome Williams allowed two runs, both unearned, on two hits with a walk and one strikeout over five innings.

Astros on the mound: Sampson struggled in his sixth spring outing, allowing 10 runs (six earned) on 12 hits over 2 1/3 innings. Brian Moehler allowed six runs (two earned) on eight hits over 3 2/3 innings.

Grapefruit League records: Astros 12-8; Nationals 9-11.

Up next: The Nationals will host the Tigers on Friday in Viera, beginning at 1:05 p.m. ET. Right-hander John Patterson will face Tigers lefty Nate Robertson. The Astros will play a night game at Winter Haven with the Indians, beginning at 7:05. Right-hander Roy Oswalt will face Tribe righty Paul Byrd.