WASHINGTON, D.C. -- There's something about the final game of spring training and catcher Dan Butler.
Last year, Butler was an extra player brought to the Red Sox' last spring game in Houston. Ticketed for Single A ball, Butler hit a towering two-run homer in a Red Sox win, and did so in front of his parents and grandparents, who had driven from Arizona to watch him play.
Tuesday afternoon, again in the final game of the spring, Butler expertly blocked the plate, preventing the tying run from scoring with two outs in the ninth as the Red Sox held off the Washington Nationals, 8-7.
Washington infielder Ian Desmond was on second when teammate Daniel Espinosa singled up the middle. But Jason Repko's throw to the plate arrived just as the baserunner did, with Butler holding him off long enough to apply the tag and save the win.
"He pushed him right off the plate," said Bobby Valentine. "Daniel's had a very good spring catching and hitting.
Clay Buchholz pitched 5 23 innings, allowing four runs on four hits, including two homers. Buchholz retired the first 12 hitters he faced in succession.