Martis making Nats' decision tougher

Right-hander Shairon Martis continues to show that he belongs in the Nationals' rotation. On Saturday afternoon, Martis pitched four solid innings, giving up one run on four hits against the Mets.

The only time Martis was in trouble was in the first inning, when he gave up an RBI double to Fernando Tatis.

"I thought he was tremendous," manager Manny Acta said after the Nationals' 6-2 come-from-behind victory. "You can count on him to throw strikes. He is either going to get hit or he is going to get them out. He has good command of his fastball. He was able to throw some good changeups today."

Acta acknowledged that Martis, 21, is making it tough to construct the back end of the rotation together. Martis is competing against right-handers Shawn Hill and Jordan Zimmermann.

"[Martis] is competing," Acta said. "That's why he was stretched out for four innings."

After his outing, Martis went into the clubhouse and watched The Netherlands play Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic. Martis was supposed to be a major player for The Netherlands, but he dropped out because he wanted to make the Nationals' 25-man roster.

Any regrets?

"I made a good decision, because [I'm pitching well]," Martis said. "I prefer to be here."