Steven Strasburg fired the first “immaculate inning” of his career in the Nationals’ 3-1 win over the Marlins on Wednesday night in Washington.
In the top of the fourth, Strasburg struck out the side on nine pitches. The right-hander got Garrett Cooper looking and former Yankee and Met Neil Walker swinging, then caught ex-Yankee Starlin Castro looking to finish the job.
Strasburg is the fourth pitcher to work a perfect frame this season, according to ESPN, joining the Boston Red Sox’s Chris Sale (twice), Toronto Blue Jays’ Thomas Pannone and Milwaukee Brewers’ Josh Hader.
Strasburg, who struck out 14 in 7¹/₃ innings in the win, isn’t the first Nationals pitcher to earn “immaculate” status. Max Scherzer has accomplished the feat twice, and Jordan Zimmermann had done it once. Strasburg, who allowed just two hits and two walks, upped his record to 10-4 and extended his personal winning streak against the Marlins to 11.
Strasburg earned his first three strikeouts on changeups, then effectively mixed pitches throughout the night to baffle Miami’s hitters.
“I felt like my changeup has kind of gotten away from me,” Strasburg said. “I just tried to get back to basics, and it seemed to be much better tonight.”
The surging Nationals, who received home runs from Brian Dozier and Matt Adams, are 44-41 and 25-10 since May 24. It’s the first time Washington has been three games over .500 this season.
— with AP