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Strasburg, Harper send Nationals past Yankees 8-2

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) Stephen Strasburg gave up one run in 5 1-3 innings and the Washington Nationals beat the New York Yankees 8-2 Friday in the final spring training game in Florida for both teams.

Strasburg allowed up six hits, struck out six and walked two.

''We wanted to push him to six if we could and get to 85 (pitches),'' Washington manager Matt Williams said. ''Sharp (breaking ball). Throwing it for strikes when he wanted to, and out of the zone when he wanted to. Good depth to his changeup, too. I think he's ready.''

Bryce Harper hit an RBI triple and scored on Ryan Zimmerman's single, and Ian Desmond added a run-scoring double in the first against CC Sabathia.

Sabathia, coming back from season-ending knee surgery in July, allowed three runs in 5 1-3 innings.

''I just wanted to come out of it healthy and feel good, and I got that accomplished,'' Sabathia said. ''I feel like I'm a just couple ticks away from being where I want to be.''

Sabathia went 0-3 with an 8.10 ERA this spring.

''He made adjustments,'' Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. ''It was good to see. I feel pretty good about him going into the season. The consistency will come. You'll see a different guy (in the regular season). I'm encouraged.''

Mike Carp hit a three-run homer in the seventh.

The Yankees and Nationals play Saturday in Washington.

''Now we get back to our home park, which is good,'' Williams said. ''Give everybody a little shot of energy in that regard. We're ready to start, we're ready to go.''

TRAINER'S ROOM

Nationals: RF Jason Werth (shoulder surgery) is set to play in minor league games through the weekend.

Yankees: RF Carlos Beltran sat out his second straight game with a stomach virus. He worked out before the game and is expected back in the lineup Saturday.

CLOSING TIME

The Yankees will likely start the season with RHP Dellin Betances and LHP Andrew Miller sharing the closer role.

''I've talked to both guys and they're concerned about winning,'' Girardi said. ''That's the sense I've gotten from them.''

Last year's closer David Robertson signed a free agent contract in the offseason with the Chicago White Sox.

A-ROD ACTION

Yankees DH Alex Rodriguez had a scheduled off-day. A-Rod has had a strong spring after returning from a one-year drug suspension, hitting .286 (12 for 42) with three homers.

''Really pleased with what Alex did,'' Girardi said.

Rodriguez is scheduled to play Saturday.

CHAMPIONSHIP COACH

NHL coaching great Scotty Bowman watched the game with Yankees co-chairman Hank Steinbrenner. Bowman won an NHL-best nine Stanley Cup championships coaching Montreal, Pittsburgh and Detroit. He is currently a senior adviser for the Chicago Blackhawks.

UP NEXT

Yankees RHP Nathan Eovaldi and Washington RHP Doug Fister are the scheduled starters Saturday at Nationals Park.