Washington Nationals Rapid Reaction: Stephen Strasburg Shines With Full Lineup Back In Action
By Ricky Keeler
Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Last night, the Washington Nationals did something they had not done since early July. They have now won three games in a row for the first time since their sweep of the Giants on July 3-5. With 38 games to go and the Nats still trailing the Mets by 5.5 games in the NL East, every win becomes critical as the team tries to get on a long winning streak.
One factor that might be able to help that kind of streak happen is that the projected Opening Day lineup that fans thought would have taken place all season long finally happened last night. Denard Span was back in the leadoff spot and played center field for the first time since July 6. While Span went 0-for-4 with a walk, his presence in the lineup was a boost for the Nats as the team worked up James Shields’ pitch count and eventually broke the game open in their 8-3 win.
More from Nationals News
- Latest DraftKings Sportsbook Promo Code in Maryland: Bet $5, Win $200 Guaranteed
- Nationals Claim Jeter Downs Off Waivers
- Washington Nationals Tuesday Q&A
- A Washington Nationals Christmas Wishlist
- Robots in Baseball? The Possibility of an Automated Ball/Strike System in the MLB
By scoring eight runs, the Nationals gave Stephen Strasburg plenty of runs to work with. Strasburg’s fastball was on point and the only mistake he made was a two-run homer by Jedd Gyorko in the top of the second inning. Strasburg continues to show consistency since his return off the disabled list as he has given up only four hits in his last 13 innings of work.
Before Tyson Ross takes on Gio Gonzalez tonight at Nats Park (7:05 PM ET, MASN), here are my takeaways from last night’s 8-3 Nationals win:
Next: Strasburg Shuts Down Padres