Strasburg Strikes Out Five in P-Nats Win

• The following is a press release from the More coverage on Strasburg will be up today. 

On an electric night in Woodbridge, Stephen Strasburg did as he has so many times in his brief career: he exceeded expectations. Strasburg struck out five over three outstanding innings, hit 99 miles-per-hour on the radar gun and took another big step back towards Washington.

After Strasburg's departure, the Nationals got more outstanding pitching from Evan Bronson, Josh Smoker and Hector Nelo and took the second game from the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, 1-0. Strasburg set the tone with a strikeout of leadoff man Leury Garcia.

The Nationals came close to giving Strasburg some run support in the second inning when they put runners on the corners with one out. The threat was quickly quelled when the next batter, Jose Lozada grounded into a double play, which ended the inning. The very next inning, the Nationals threatened again, thanks to a one-out triple by Francisco Soriano.

However, the next two batters were retired in order, which stranded a runner on third for the second consecutive inning. The P-Nats finally took advantage of an opportunity in the sixth inning. Destin Hood received some help when he chopped an infield single to the third baseman's whose errant throw found the Potomac dugout sending Hood to second.

The next batter, Brian Peacock, advanced Hood on a ground out to the shortstop and Archie Gilbert knocked Hood in with a two out single. Potomac hurler Evan Bronson (4-3) had a strong outing in relief of Strasburg with four innings pitched, two hits, no runs, no walks and two strike outs and received his fourth win of the season. Hector Nelo earned his 15th save of the season with an inning and a third of relief. Strasburg's counterpart, Wilfredo Boscan (4-10), had a quality outing for the Pelicans as well. In his six innings pitched he surrendered eight hits, one run which was unearned, one walk and struck out two Nationals.

His effort was not enough, though, and he was given the loss. These two teams return to action Sat. night for game three of the four game set. The Nationals will send Paul Demny (7-10) to the hill, while the Pelicans send Kennil Gomez (2-2). First pitch is set for 6:35.