Wacha yields three runs but Cards salvage tie with Nationals in exhibition game

VIERA, Fla. -- Max Scherzer turned in another solid outing, and Ryan Zimmerman hit an RBI single in his spring debut as the Washington Nationals and the St. Louis Cardinals played to a 4-4 tie in nine innings Sunday.

Zimmerman, bothered by plantar fasciitis in his left foot since early last season, singled during a three-run first inning off Michael Wacha. Zimmerman went 1 for 3 as the designated hitter.

Scherzer allowed one run and two hits over four innings. He walked one and hit two batters, but also struck out five in his third spring start. Nationals manager Dusty Baker has strongly indicated Scherzer will start on opening day in Atlanta.

Even with Zimmerman as the DH, the Nationals' lineup was a potential preview of what it could look like in the opener. Washington started off with four straight hits, including Bryce Harper's RBI double.

"We have a chance to have a good offense and really score some runs," Scherzer said. "It's going to be exciting to see those guys produce runs, because I love run support."

Starting time

Wacha gave up three runs and six hits in two innings. He also had a walk, a balk and a wild pitch. One of the hits, by Anthony Rendon, knocked off Wacha's glove.

"The offspeed pitches, I really couldn't throw them for strikes whenever I needed to," Wacha said. "It doesn't really help you out when all you've got is a fastball-changeup."

Trainer's room

Center fielder Tommy Pham cut his lip on a headfirst slide while stealing second. His helmet slid down and got him in the sixth inning. He left the game, but Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said Pham was leaving at the end of the inning anyway.

Outfielder Stephen Piscotty had been scheduled to make the trip to Viera, but was held back after being hit above the left elbow in a game against the Mets on Saturday. The injury is not considered serious.

"I'm sure if this was April, he would have been playing today," Matheny said.

Up next

Mike Leake gets the start today as the Cardinals host the Minnesota Twins and Tommy Milone.