Game Recap
The Washington Nationals and Tampa Bay Rays squared off in a Spring Training showdown on March 13, 2025, as both teams continued to evaluate their rosters before Opening Day. The game featured strong pitching performances and a late-game offensive burst, with the Rays pulling out a 6-4 victory thanks to a clutch two-run homer from Randy Arozarena in the eighth inning.
The Nationals jumped out to an early lead, with CJ Abrams leading off with a double and scoring on a Joey Meneses RBI single in the first inning. However, the Rays responded in the third, when Isaac Paredes lined a two-run double down the left-field line to put Tampa Bay ahead 3-2.
Washington regained the lead in the sixth inning, with Lane Thomas crushing a solo home run off Ryan Pepiot. But the Rays took control in the eighth inning, as Arozarena delivered the go-ahead two-run blast, securing the 6-4 win for Tampa Bay.
Key Performances
Tampa Bay Rays:
- Randy Arozarena: 2-for-4, 1 HR, 2 RBIs.
- Isaac Paredes: 1-for-3, 2 RBIs, 1 double.
- Zach Eflin: 3.2 IP, 1 ER, 4 K.
Washington Nationals:
- Lane Thomas: 2-for-3, 1 HR, 1 RBI.
- Joey Meneses: 2-for-4, 1 RBI.
- Josiah Gray: 3.0 IP, 2 ER, 3 K.
Statistical Highlights
- Hits:
- Home Runs:
- Nationals: 1 (Thomas)
- Rays: 1 (Arozarena)
- Errors:
Takeaways
- Randy Arozarena remains a clutch performer, showing his power in key moments.
- The Nationals’ offense showed promise, with Lane Thomas continuing to impress as a power hitter.
- Tampa Bay’s bullpen looked sharp, holding Washington scoreless over the final three innings.
Call-to-Action (CTA):
For more MLB Spring Training recaps, player updates, and season predictions, subscribe now. Stay tuned as teams finalize their rosters for the 2025 MLB season!