LHP Scott Olsen throws 5 1-3 solid innings as Nationals beat Braves 9-3; Zimmerman homers

LHP Olsen looks solid as Nationals beat Braves 9-3

VIERA, Fla. — Left-hander Scott Olsen made his case to be the Washington Nationals’ fifth starter, throwing 5 1-3 solid innings in a 9-3 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Sunday.

Olsen allowed seven hits and two runs — one earned — and struck out four while walking none. It was his best outing of the spring and far more effective than his last start, when he gave up six runs and 12 hits in 4 1-3 innings against Detroit.

He made only 11 starts for Washington in 2009, going 2-4 with a 6.03 ERA before surgery on his left shoulder in July. He’s competing with Livan Hernandez and J.D. Martin for a roster spot.

Ryan Zimmerman hit his sixth homer of the spring in the first inning, a three-run shot off fill-in starter Scott Proctor.