Strasburg is RIDICULOUS! 14 STRIKEOUTS

For the first time, Stephen Strasburg took a major league mound. He ran out on the field a half an hour before game time to a standing ovation.  He received another one when he took the mound.

Strasburg was as sharp and at times sharper than expected.  He did allow a 2 run homer on a bad breaking pitch to Delwyn Young, but other than that, Strasburg was masterful  In 6 innings of work, Strasburg allowed 4 hits, 0 walks, and 2 runs.  He also fanned a whopping 11 Pirate batters.

A pretty damn good night for young Stephen Strasburg.

Strasburg will lave the game with a 4-2 lead.  The first run came on a solo home run by Ryan Zimmerman, his 12th of the season.  The Pirates  and their rookie pitcher, Jeff Karstens, took a 2-1 lead into the 6th inning before the Nationals big bats woke up.  Adam Dunn gave the Nationals the lead with a two run homer, his 11th of the season.  The very next batter, Josh Willingham, also took Karstens deep, chasing him from the game.  It was number 11 for Willingham as well.  Apparently, Dunn and Willingham will not permit Zimmerman to pull away with a larger team home run lead than 1.

It does appear Strasburg will appear for the 7th inning, with no one warming in the bullpen, and Dunn and the Hammer providing the Nationals the lead.

The only disappointing thing about his debut, Teddy still lost the Presidential Race.  Dammit!  Come on Teddy, work those hammys!

UPDATE:  Strasburg did indeed come out int he 7th inning.  Ummmm, he struck out the side.  Now, through 7 innings, Stephen Strasburg has 14 strikeouts!  That is called, utterly ridiculous!

The Stats on the Night:  7 innings, 2 runs,  4 hits, 0 walks, and 14 strikeouts