Brian Barton gets first start of season

ST. LOUIS -- Rookie Brian Barton landed his first career start Friday, and there might be more opportunities for the right-handed-hitting outfielder this weekend.

Odalis Perez, Washington's pitcher against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday, is left-handed. The same is true of the Nationals' starters the next two days --Matt Chico on Saturday and John Lannan on Sunday.

"I'm anxious to get him going," Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said of Barton, who is in the leadoff spot after going 1-for-2 as a pinch-hitter. "This is a good time to get him going. I think it is."

Barton hit a double, looked very fast and has great bat speed. Glad to see him in the lineup today. Barton also singled off Zimmerman’s glove into the outfield, Miles to second. Barton also grounded out twice to end the inning.

(redbirdsnation.com)