By AP
VIERA, FL – Trying to earn rotation spots, Detroit's Jeremy Bonderman worked out of trouble over 4 1-3 innings, while Washington's J.D. Martin began poorly but finished well, and Johnny Damon's two hits helped a Tigers split squad beat the Nationals 8-2
Thursday night.
Still working his way back from shoulder surgery in 2008, Bonderman allowed five hits and two runs - one earned. He also threw a wild pitch and walked a batter while recording only one 1-2-3 inning. He's competing with Dontrelle Willis and Nate Robertson for two openings.
Martin gave up five runs in the first, then retired the last 11 Tigers he faced over five innings.
Nationals center fielder Nyjer Morgan singled twice and stole two bases in his first game after being sidelined 10 days with a tight right hamstring.