Washington Nationals beat Atlanta Braves 8-4 as Stephen Strasburg strikes-out six - MLB Update
Starter Stephen Strasburg records his fifth win of the season as the Washington Nationals rise to an 8-4 victory against the Atlanta Braves in the second game of the three match series at Turner Field, Atlanta, Georgia on May 26, 2012.
Thanks to a consistent support from offence in the game, Strasburg survived the loss. In five innings, he gave up four runs and six hits.
Despite relatively ordinary performance on the mound, his hunger for stealing strike-outs was right on display as he struck-out six.
Strasburg realises that he did not have best of the outings. Only positive thing for him was the fact that he won and other than this, he will like to forget what happened.
"I'd try one thing and it wouldn't work and I'd try another thing and it wouldn't work," Strasburg said. "It was just one of those days. I'm not really happy with it, but the bottom line is we won."
Nationals will be extremely pleased with their bullpen. Following four runs given up by Strasburg, relievers did not permit the Braves to add more runs.
Impeccable control they exhibited resulted in the Nationals strengthening their lead while the Braves could not move forward.
Relief pitcher, Tom Gorzelanny threw three innings for the Nationals and was scoreless. On the other hand, the Braves’ reliever, Kris Medlen, who assumed the mound in line with Gorzelanny, gave up two runs. That ultimately made the difference.
The Nationals drew 12 hits from their offence, a great improvement from previous matches.
Danny Espinosa, the second baseman, assumed his customary role up in the order and delivered a great performance. He made two hits in five at-bats and contributed three RBIs.
Espinosa has been having a poor season so far and for the same reason he was sent down the line-up earlier by manager Davey Johnson. His performance on Saturday will go a long way in boosting his confidence and in helping him regain form at the earliest.
Braves will be extremely concerned about their sudden decline. Up until last few weeks, they were among the most dominant sides in the National League. Losing momentum can be costly and can lead to undesirable consequences.
While the Braves will look to get their momentum back, the Nationals will be building on their win and make sure they keep top position on National League East Division table intact.
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