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Stephen Strasburg's day is done, after five innings and three runs (one of them earned), along with seven strikeouts. The Nationals and Diamondbacks are tied at three. And why Strasburg came out when he did was a little curious.
He hit for himself in the top of the fifth inning, suggesting he'd stay in the game. But the Nationals got Tyler Clippard up in the bullpen toward the end of the inning, and replaced Strasburg with him to start the sixth.
It's one thing to pull him after 85 pitches. But then why have him hit for himself to lead off an inning in a tie game? An odd decision, and one we'll ask Jim Riggleman about after the game.
The Nationals tied the game in the fourth on Josh Willingham's two-run homer, his first in 33 games. Now, they'll have to try to pull this one out with their relievers.
