Washington Nationals register convincing 4-0 win against New York Mets - MLB Update
Starter Stephen Strasburg was scoreless in six innings as he took the Washington Nationals to a 4-0 victory against New York Mets on April 11, 2012 at Citi Field in New York.
Mets were largely undone by an enigmatic show from Strasburg, who not just threw more than 100 pitches but was also terrific in his survival from the jam. While manager Davey Johnson grew concerned over the jam and ran out of options, Strasburg was sure
of his ability to turn out successful.
"I was going to hold him to 100 pitches but I didn't know who to go to to get out of the jam," Johnson said. "I probably would've had to strangle him to get the ball to get him out of the game."
Game was a matchup between two aces who went through arm surgery before the season. Interestingly enough both did not struggle with any aftershock of surgery on their arm strength.
While Johan Santana threw five and struck-out eight, Strasburg struck-out nine and gave up just two hits in six.
Nationals' closer Henry Rodriguez did not have a tough task on hand by the time he stepped on the mound. With immense run support of four runs, he finished one inning scoreless.
Situation he faced was a contrast to a pressure cooker scenario in the series opener game, which saw him crumbling in the ninth and giving up winning run to the Mets.
Mets hit only thrice in 30 at-bats, way lower than the nine hits the Nationals managed.
Nationals’ shortstop Ian Desmond connected two hits in five at-bats and completed one run, taking his season batting average to .370.
Centre-fielder Jayson Werth has started finding pure connections on the plate and continuing from his last game’s performance, he went 1-for-3.
Despite Mets ending up on the losing side, their starter Santana was terrific. He was controlled and well on the target.
"I was able to compete and I feel good," Santana said. "I told (Collins) I felt good and he let me go back out there. I didn't come through, but at least I was able to warm up and come back out again. So that's a good sign."
Nationals have effectively put the Mets back with two back-to-back wins. The stage is now set for them to build from here on and pile on wins.
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