VIERA, Fla. — Ryan Zimmerman and Adam LaRoche homered to lead the Washington Nationals over the Atlanta Braves 8-2 in a split-squad game Saturday.

Ross Detwiler, the leading candidate for the No. 5 spot in Washington's rotation, gave up one run and six hits in two-plus innings. The left-hander continued to work on throwing more off-speed pitches instead of relying mostly on his fastball.

Taylor Jordan, another fifth-starter candidate, followed with three strong innings and struck out six.

Jordan was happy with his day, especially the fact that he wasn't nervous. In his two previous outings, he said he could literally see his legs shaking.

Zimmerman had two hits, including a two-run homer.

Andrelton Simmons had two hits for Atlanta.