Washington Nationals beaten by Colorado Rockies 1-5 as Stephen Strasburg struggles - MLB Update
All-star Stephen Strasburg allows two home-runs while starting for the Washington Nationals as he costs the club a 1-5 defeat against the Colorado Rockies on July 6, 2012 in first game of the three match series at Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
Offensively, last week was nearly perfect for the Nationals, with the middle of the line-up bringing hits consistently. For a side which counts on pitchers generally and the offence is their weak area, it was a positive sign. Its continuation can make them
an invincible team in the season.
However, unable to keep the momentum from the last series, Washington failed to draw support from the offence on Friday.
Striking just five hits, the Nationals provided little support to starter Strasburg. For the same reason, three runs he gave up led to defeat.
Meanwhile, regardless of the way the offence fared, Strasburg will be disappointed being roughed up on the mound. It was one of the few games in which his throws were taken by the batters and hit for massive home-runs.
Rockies' first baseman, Tyler Colvin became his undoing. He struck two homers off Strasburg, while going 3-for-4.
On being taken for hits, Strasburg was of the view that every day is not going to be the same. Therefore, poor shows on the mound are part and parcel of the games.
"It's not a good feeling, but what can you do?" Strasburg said. "You can only go out there and give it everything you have and try to keep the team in the ballgame, but sometimes it's not going to work out."
Relief pitcher Tom Gorzelanny assumed the mound in place of Strasburg. He proved no different as he also gave up two runs in one inning.
It is still the first game of the series. By getting the offence to put up a solid performance in the next two matches, the series victory can be clinched.
A subpar show, witnessed from the Nationals on Friday, is something the team will hope proves transient and does not affect their effectiveness in the upcoming games.
Meanwhile, their starters will also be looking to throw a greater number of scoreless innings and reduce the burden on the bullpen.
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