VIERA, Fla. – Stephen Strasburg pitched into the sixth inning in his final spring training tuneup and Bryce Harper hit a three-run homer as the Washington Nationals defeated the New York Mets 7-3 Tuesday.
Strasburg was touched for three runs, all in the third when Travis d'Arnaud homered and Eric Young Jr. had a two-run double. The Nationals right-hander struck out seven and walked two in 5 2-3 innings.
Mets starter Zack Wheeler lasted just 2 2-3 innings, allowing five runs on five hits, including Harper's homer. Wheeler threw 73 pitches, 40 in the third inning alone before he was removed.
Ryan Zimmerman homered and drove in three runs and Denard Span had three hits for Washington.
Zimmerman homered off Mets closer Bobby Parnell in the eighth.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.