Stephen Strasburg Logs 3 Innings in Second Start
By Editorial Staff
Stephen Strasburg lasted only 3 innings during his second start of the year for the Washington Nationals Sunday. Strasburg surrendered a single run on 3 hits as the Nationals went on to defeat the Houston Astros 8-2.
A lengthy first inning was what ultimately caused Strasburg’s early exit. 31 of the 57 pitches Strasburg threw Sunday came in the first, as did the lone run the right-hander has surrendered this season.
After striking out leadoff man Jordan Schafer, Strasburg allowed an infield single to third baseman Jimmy Paredes. Paredes stole second before Strasburg notched another. Carlos Lee followed with an RBI single before Strasburg was able to record the final out of the frame.
Each of the first four batters Strasburg faced saw at least 6 pitches, with Schafer forcing the right-hander to throw 9 nine times.
After his long first inning, Strasburg breezed through the rest of his appearance. Strasburg wrapped the last two frames up in only 16 pitches.
Coming into the game, Strasburg had been placed on a 70 pitch count. Having already thrown 57 pitches through 3, Nationals manager Davey Johnson decided to end Strasburg’s day. Johnson didn’t want to have to pull Strasburg halfway through the 4th.
When I saw Strasburg lasted only 3 innings, I assumed the starter struggled. This really wasn’t the case, as Strasburg continued to show stellar command, striking out 4 and walking none. All of the Astros hits against Strasburg were singles, and one was of the infield variety.
Over his two starts with the Nationals, Strasburg has logged 8 innings, allowing one run on 5 hits while striking out 8 and walking none during that span.
Strasburg’s next start is scheduled for Friday, when he will face off against Javier Vazquez and the Florida Marlins.
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