After a day of hand-wringing over the weather, the ominous skies above Nationals Park remained threatened rain, but held off long enough for Stephen Strasburg to make his long-awaited return to the Washington Nationals. The Nats fans who braved the elements and uncertainty were rewarded with 5 innings of shutout baseball from Strasburg who pitched with efficiency aided by the Los Angeles Dodgers willingness to swing at the first pitch they saw. Strasburg gave up only 2 hits while striking out 4 batters on only 56 pitches.
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A good return for Strasburg, who pitched in conditions for his return from Tommy John surgery similar to what his counterpart Jordan Zimmermann did last year. The difference was that Strasburg pitched well.
The Post
Stephen Strasburg looks like old self in return to Washington Nationals
THOMAS BOSWELL: Stephen Strasburg’s star shines as brightly as ever
CSN Washington
Strasburg dominates in return from Tommy John surgery
The Wash. Times
Strasburg delivers in Nationals return
The Wash. Examiner
So, after Strasburg left with a 3-0 lead (he also reached on a bunt after a throwing error and later scored) the Nats bullpen gave up 7 runs to the L.A. Doug Slaten, not too far removed from the DL himself, gave up 2 runs. Brad Peacock, another starting pitcthing prospect was sent into his first major league game with 2 runners on and MVP candidate Matt Kemp at bat in the 6th. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot? The Nats baby Strasburg, but throw Peacock into a meat grinder? Seriously, the Nats come off as being starstruck about their #1 picks and contemptuous about other players. I don’t get it. Peacock round up giving up 4 hits and run in 1 1/3 innings. The 3-0 lead was lost.
Ultimately, after a rain delay, the lead was lost in the 8th when Henry Rodriguez allowed 2 runs to score. In the 9th, Yunesky Maya (remember him?!) gave up another two to round out the scoring for the Dodgers.
Overall, the main long-term objective of the game — Strasburg returning and pitching well, was met, but manager Davey Johnson must not have cared about anything else.
You have to wonder about this team.