JUPITER, Fla. - The Washington Nationals have won three in a row; this time, the Nationals won 2-1 over the Marlins.

RHP Jake Irvin had an impressive second start of spring training by outing by going five innings, only giving up one hit, and facing 15 batters. Irvin had five strikeouts and threw 52 pitches, with 43 of them being strikes. Irvin now has a 4.97 ERA this spring, training over 12.2 innings.  RHP Derek Law (2-0; 3.60) got the win for the Nationals, and Luis Palacios (0-1; 4.50)  received the loss for the Marlins.

“He kind of just got my focus back on competing, which was the kick in the ass that I needed,” Irvin said in a post-game interview after the Nationals win. “I respect the hell out of him. His word goes a long way with me. It was good to hear that from him. I made the adjustment, and now it’s about competing.”

40 in 40: Jake Irvin

Jeremy Lapidus • Mar 12, 2024

Editors Note: This is the latest player profile in our 40-man breakdown series that we have started here at the Nats Report. Check out our other player profiles.

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The game was tied going into the top of the eighth until Luis García Jr. reached on a fielder's choice, which was fielded by first baseman Tristan Gray. Then Jesse Winker scored to break the tie and put the Nationals up 2-1. The Nationals left a total of nine players left on base and went 1-12 with runners in scoring position.

Getting the save for the Nationals was Robert Gsellman, who recorded his first save of spring training.

In other Nationals news, 3B Carter Kieboom cleared outright waivers, and the Nationals assigned him to Triple-A Rochester. During spring training, Kieboom went 3-13 with one RBI, a batting average of .231, and an OPS of .621

Additionally, it looks like Washington Nationals prospect Robert Hassell III will likely open the 2024 season on the injured list after an MRI revealed a groin strain. Manager Davey Martinez didn’t have a timetable for Hassell's return but did say that the 22-year-old outfielder will miss “a little time.” “We don’t want to put a timetable on it, because he is feeling good, and his strength is pretty good,” Martinez said. “They’re going to continue to push him and see where he’s at.”

Hasell injured himself on March 8th, and could play only one inning before being pulled before he can take an at-bat.  Hassell III hit 357 (5-for-14) with three extra-base hits, three RBIs, two walks, and two stolen bases in Grapefruit League play.

Next, the Washington Nationals will face the Houston Astros, the other CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches team. Game time is 6:05 p.m. The Nationals plan to send RHP Zach Davies (1-1; 5.06 ERA) and the Astros will send RHP José Urquidy (2-0; 1.00 ERA)

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