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Washington Nationals: Lucas Giolito Dazzles In Rain-Shortened MLB Debut

By Chris Lacey

Jun 28, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Lucas Giolito (44) pitches during the first inning against the New York Mets at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 28, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Lucas Giolito (44) pitches during the first inning against the New York Mets at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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A lengthy rain delay shortened the MLB debut of Lucas Giolito, but the young pitcher certainly made a statement on the mound as the Washington Nationals beat the Mets, 5-0.

The Washington Nationals had to endure a pair of rain delays, but it was worth it, as they not only earned a 5-0 victory over the New York Mets but also got a glimpse of a future star in the rotation.

Anthony Rendon gave the Nationals an early 1-0 lead in the second inning, as he laced an RBI triple to center field that scored Wilson Ramos. Bryce Harper hit his 16th home run of the season in the bottom of the fifth to give the Nats a 3-0 lead.

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Ramos added some insurance in the seventh inning, as he laced a two-run double to extend the Nationals’ lead to 5-0.

Lucas Giolito had an impressive MLB debut but it was cut short as mother nature refused to cooperate. The young right-hander tossed four scoreless innings, allowing just one hit, striking out one batter and issuing a pair of walks on 45 pitches (29 strikes) in a no-decision.

Matt Harvey also had a short day at the office, due to the inclement weather.

He pitched 3 2/3 innings, yielding four hits, surrendering one run, walking three batters and striking out three on 62 pitches (37 strikes) in his 10th loss of the season.

Tyler Goeddel entered the game to relieve Harvey but walked Danny Espinosa to load the bases in the fourth with two outs. However, Jerry Blevins stopped the scoring opportunity by retiring Clint Robinson, who came in to pinch-hit for Giolito.

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    • Yusmeiro Petit threw a scoreless fifth for the Nats, but ran into trouble in the sixth inning, as he loaded the bases with one out. Oliver Perez got his club out of the jam by striking out James Loney and getting Wilmer Flores to fly out. The reliever picked up his second win of the year.

    The duo of Sammy Solis and Shawn Kelley combined to finish off the last three innings and preserve the victory for the Nationals.

    It’s a shame Giolito’s debut was cut short, but the young pitcher was solid on the mound.

    The bullpen for the Nationals also deserves some credit for the win. They tossed five scoreless innings and allowed just four hits.

    Next Game: The Washington Nationals (46-32) will look to sweep the series with the New York Mets (40-36) tomorrow. Max Scherzer (8-5, 3.52 ERA) will be on the mound for the Nats, and the Mets will have Logan Verrett (3-3, 4.14 ERA) pitching for them. You can watch the game at 7:05 p.m. ET on MASN.

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