WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Scott Kazmir has earned three All-Star selections and made multiple postseason starts, including a couple in the World Series. Still, given the frustration he experienced during last year's lost season, it was easy to understand why the Braves' left-hander felt anxious as he managed to complete a scoreless first inning in Sunday afternoon's 9-3 loss to the Nationals at FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches.
Kazmir allowed three of the four batters he faced to reach safely and recorded a strike with just 11 of the 25 pitches he threw.