Starter Rauch hit hard by Astros

03/10/2006
Nationals at the plate: Center fielder Brandon Watson and catcher Matt LeCroy both had a pair of hits for the Nationals, a team still looking for its second victory in the Grapefruit League.
Astros at the plate: Filling in for Preston Wilson, center fielder Charlton Jimerson hit a grand slam in the fourth inning. Jeff Bagwell contributed a double. He also walked in his two at-bats. In the fifth, Jason Lane hit a two-run homer. It was Lane's third homer in the Grapefruit League. In the seventh, catcher Humberto Quintero hit a solo homer.
Nationals on the mound: Jon Rauch had a tough time finding the strike zone. He threw 62 pitches, but just 37 of them were strikes. In 3 1/3 innings, Rauch walked three, struck out three and gave up five runs -- all earned.
Astros on the mound: After a rough first inning, Steve Sparks settled in well. He went four innings, gave up five hits and two runs. Sparks is trying to win a roster spot with the Astros.
Grapefruit League records: Astros 3-5; Nationals 1-8

Source: http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/