WASHINGTON – Even though Stephen Strasburg is on a three-game winning streak, his most recent starts hadn’t been especially smooth. On Saturday, he threw freely and easily, pitching four-hit ball for seven sharp innings to help lead the Washington Nationals over the Atlanta Braves 2-0.
Strasburg (6-1) completed seven shutout innings for the first time in his major league career. He opened the game with a flourish, striking out the first four Braves batters.
Strasburg struck out nine, walked none and threw 90 pitches. Twice he gave up singles and then induced double-play grounders.
The right-hander allowed multiple baserunners just once – in the third when Jose Constanza doubled and Michael Bourn singled with one out.
“I just expected a little bit too much out of myself and it was kind of getting me away from what I was trying to do, what I wanted to do out there. Today was huge for me to go out there and keep it simple,” Strasburg said.