Nats win 3-2, Strasburg improves to 9-1
The Washington Nationals needed a Stephen Strasburg start. In the midst of a four game losing streak, they got it. And they got a great performance and a win.
Strasburg threw 7 quality innings allowing 5 hits and 2 runs while fanning 10 Tampa Bay batters to improve to 9-1 on the season. Strasburg faced 28 batters and threw 111 pitches, which 70 were for strikes. Overall, Strasburg is 9-1 with an ERA of 2.46. Sean Burnett and Tyler Clippard combined for two scoreless innings of relief. Clippard fanned 2 in the ninth inning to earn his 10th save this season.
Washington never got another offensive hit in the game after the first inning. However, they put up three hits and three runs in the first inning, enough to earn the win. Steve Lombardozzi opened the game against Chris Archer, who made his MB debut tonight, with a double to right field. Bryce Harper followed the double with an RBI single, his 20th run drive in the season. Ryan Zimmerman was safe at first on a fielder's choice that scored Harper. Ian Desmond then drove in Zimmerman for the decisive run.
Jose Moline homered against Strasburg in the second inning and Tampa got an RBI single in the third inning to conclude Tampa Bay's runs.
The Nats improve to 39-27 on the season. They maintain a 3.5 game lead over Atlanta in the NL East.
