By Justin Worsley
In one of the most anticipated debuts in MLB history, Stephen Strasburg came into the major leagues with a bang. The 21-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Washington Nationals made a fool out of the Pittsburgh Pirates batters, striking out 14 batters while not allowing a walk in Tuesday night's 5-2 victory.
Strasburg pitched seven complete innings in a game that was sold out within two hours after the announcement that Strasburg would pitch. Strasburg allowed only four hits, including a two-run home run by right-fielder Delwyn Young in the third-inning. His 14 strikeouts are the third-highest in MLB history for a pitcher making his first career start.
Washington (28-31) got their offense rolling early when Ryan Zimmerman hit a solo home run off of Pirates pitcher Jeff Karstens in the first-inning. The team regained the lead in the sixth inning with back-to-back home runs by Adam Dunn and Josh Willingham.
Strasburg attacked the strike zone on all corners, relying on a variety of pitches including both a two and four-seam fastball and a variety of curveballs that clocked in around 98 mph. Strasburg's fasted pitch of the night reached 100 mph.
Strasburg never lost control of his pitches during the game. He left with a bang, striking out the last seven batters he faced before manager Jim Riggleman pulled the pitcher for the night after 94 pitches, sending out Tyler Clippard to relieve him.
Andy LaRoche made the first hit for Pittsburgh in the second-inning, hitting a line-drive down left field for a single.
Ivan Rodriguez also made his return to Washington after being on the 15-day disabled list. The catcher went 2-4 with an RBI in the eighth-inning.
Washington continues their series tomorrow at 7:05 p.m.
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