FORT MYERS, Fla - Despite being in Spring Training, rebounding to secure a victory after consecutive losses is always gratifying.

Joan Adon, making his first start in Spring Training and aiming to cement a spot in the pitching rotation, took a significant stride forward in achieving that goal with three shutout innings in the Nationals' 7-3 triumph over the Twins at Hammond Field this afternoon. Adding to the positive news for Adon, the right-hander yielded only two hits and one walk while throwing a total of 40 pitches, 27 of which were strikes.

“Adon was really good,” said manager Davey Martinez to media after the Nationals win. “He [Adon] attacked the strike zone with his fastball. Breaking ball, when needed, was good. So it was a good day.”

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In other game-related news, James Wood broke a 0-for-10 streak that was initiated during last Monday's game against the Cardinals, delivering a 2-for-3 performance this afternoon. Wood singled to right in his initial at-bat against Pablo López and later secured his first non-homer extra-base hit with a triple to left-center field in the sixth inning. Impressively, he crossed home plate both times he reached base, further reinforcing his case for inclusion in the opening-day roster.

In a positive turn of events for Washington's prospect Yohandy Morales, last year's second-round pick, he singled off big league reliever Jay Jackson in his first at-bat, contributing to a successful afternoon for the Nationals' prospect pool during Spring Training. Morales has been witnessing standout performances from other prospects as well.

Notably, there was an intriguing development as Joan Adon, typically a bullpen presence, started the game today and acknowledged the difference in approach. Through an interpreter, Octavio Martinez, Adon shared his perspective after the outing, stating, "It is a little different. I've been pitching for several years as a starter, and in the bullpen, it's different. You just gotta prepare differently. You don't know exactly how to prepare. It's a process. But either way, I gotta come in and do my job."

Looking ahead, the Washington Nationals (7-8) will kick off the week in Jupiter, FL, facing the St. Louis Cardinals. The first pitch is set for 1:05, with the Nationals sending LHP Patrick Corbin (2-1; 4.15 ERA; 10 K) to the mound, continuing his impressive start to Spring Training. The Cardinals will counter with Miles Mikolas (1-0; 1.50 ERA; 5 K) against the Nationals.

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