Matt Purke pitched three scoreless innings and Bryce Harper was held hitless as the Nationals, playing with a mostly minor league lineup, opened their exhibition schedule with a 3-0 win over Georgetown University Friday afternoon in Viera, Fla.
Purke allowed just one hit and struck out three in his three innings of work. Harper walked on four pitches in his first time at the plate in the bottom of the first inning, but was stranded at third when Anthony Rendon struck out looking and Corey Brown flied out to left. The Nats did score a run in the first when Brett Carroll was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. Harper was thrown out trying to bunt for a base hit in the bottom of the third and the 19-year-old flew out to right field in his final plate appearance in the 5th.
After Purke, Rafael Martin and Waldis Joaquin tossed two scoreless innings apiece before Jeff Fulchino closed the game out in the 9th.