Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Strasburg Struggles, But Still Has Quality Start
Stephen Strasburg gutted through six innings without fastball command. He only gave up two runs and worked out of several serious jams. The Giants could have broken this game wide open against Strasburg several times, but the right-hander managed to keep the Giants from doing so.
Strasburg ran into trouble in the first inning. It was clear that his fastball was erratic and he was having difficulty throwing it for strikes. After giving up two runs in that inning, he went to using his curveball when he needed a strike. The curveball was working and Strasburg used it to good effect. He ended up striking out eight.
Strasburg has, in the past, become rattled and not pitched well when he gets into a jam or when his teammates commit errors behind him. He did not do that in this outing. He gave up a lead off triple in the first inning, which came in to score. He gave up a lead off triple in the second inning, and Strasburg stranded that runner and did not allow that critical run. He bore down and took care of his business.
So, in his second start after coming off the DL, Strasburg had another quality outing and deserved a better fate than taking the loss. The good news for the Nationals is that it appears that Strasburg may be on his way to finishing the year strong and should give the Nationals a chance to win when he starts.
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