JUPITER, Fla. -- Gio Gonzalez allowed two hits in two scoreless innings in his first start of spring training Friday for the Washington Nationals, who lost to the Miami Marlins' split squad 5-4.
Justin Maxwell hit a game-ending three-run homer with one out in the ninth inning off Paolo Espino. It was the second homer in as many games for Maxwell, who is bidding for a roster spot as a backup outfielder.
Gonzalez struck out one and threw 17 of 27 pitches for strikes.
Washington's Wilmer Difo hit a three-run homer off Brian Ellington.