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Livan Hernandez again showed why he is considered a pitcher and not just a thrower.
The Washington Nationals ace tossed six shutout innings Sunday at Holman Stadium despite the absence of an effective curveball.
Hernandez, who will start Opening Day April 4 in Philadelphia, has allowed just one earned run in his past two outings.
He said he had to rely on fastballs, sinkers and sliders to get him through a gorgeous day at Dodgertown.
Hernandez picked up the victory as the Nationals pounded the Los Angeles Dodgers, 9-3, in front of 3,606 fans.
Reserve catcher Gary Bennett broke the game open in the eighth inning by hitting a grand slam.
"One more start and I'll be ready for the season," said Hernandez, who led all pitchers with nine complete games in 2004.
Hernandez leads a starting rotation that Robinson said could prove to be the best he's had in his four years managing the team.
It looks solid from top-to-bottom, especially with Tony Armas Jr. and Tomo Ohka looking strong and healthy returning from injury-shortened seasons.
"They've passed with flying colors so far," he said. Beckett returns to Brevard. Call today's game against the Florida Marlins at Space Coast Stadium an Autograph Hound's Delight.
Josh Beckett, the 2003 World Series MVP and former Brevard County Manatee, will take the hill for Florida.
First baseman Carlos Delgado, one of the most important free-agent signings in franchise history also will make the trip to Viera, as will third baseman Mike Lowell and shortstop Alex Gonzalez. Help wanted. Robinson would like to see interim general manager Jim Bowden acquire a shortstop before the regular season.
Cristian Guzman is entrenched as the starter, but the Nationals don't have a quality backup, although Jamey Carroll can play the position.
The only other true shortstop in camp is 19-year-old Ian Desmond, who has a promising future, but spent most of last season playing with the organization's rookie-league team in Viera.
Robinson said he would not consider playing Desmond under any circumstances, adding that the organization does not want to rush the talented youngster.
That leaves Robinson little options after Guzman at shortstop.
"That's been a concern all spring," Robinson said.
Livan Hernandez again showed why he is considered a pitcher and not just a thrower.
The Washington Nationals ace tossed six shutout innings Sunday at Holman Stadium despite the absence of an effective curveball.
Hernandez, who will start Opening Day April 4 in Philadelphia, has allowed just one earned run in his past two outings.
He said he had to rely on fastballs, sinkers and sliders to get him through a gorgeous day at Dodgertown.
Hernandez picked up the victory as the Nationals pounded the Los Angeles Dodgers, 9-3, in front of 3,606 fans.
Reserve catcher Gary Bennett broke the game open in the eighth inning by hitting a grand slam.
"One more start and I'll be ready for the season," said Hernandez, who led all pitchers with nine complete games in 2004.
Hernandez leads a starting rotation that Robinson said could prove to be the best he's had in his four years managing the team.
It looks solid from top-to-bottom, especially with Tony Armas Jr. and Tomo Ohka looking strong and healthy returning from injury-shortened seasons.
"They've passed with flying colors so far," he said. Beckett returns to Brevard. Call today's game against the Florida Marlins at Space Coast Stadium an Autograph Hound's Delight.
Josh Beckett, the 2003 World Series MVP and former Brevard County Manatee, will take the hill for Florida.
First baseman Carlos Delgado, one of the most important free-agent signings in franchise history also will make the trip to Viera, as will third baseman Mike Lowell and shortstop Alex Gonzalez. Help wanted. Robinson would like to see interim general manager Jim Bowden acquire a shortstop before the regular season.
Cristian Guzman is entrenched as the starter, but the Nationals don't have a quality backup, although Jamey Carroll can play the position.
The only other true shortstop in camp is 19-year-old Ian Desmond, who has a promising future, but spent most of last season playing with the organization's rookie-league team in Viera.
Robinson said he would not consider playing Desmond under any circumstances, adding that the organization does not want to rush the talented youngster.
That leaves Robinson little options after Guzman at shortstop.
"That's been a concern all spring," Robinson said.