Strasburg, Harper and Clippard speak after 5-1 win over Marlins

Right-hander Stephen Strasburg is in a groove at the right time for the Nationals. He is also pitching at a time of year he wasn't afforded the luxury of enjoying two seasons ago because he was shut down after recovering from Tommy John surgery. Now the National League will have to contend with Strasburg in the postseason. Strasburg went six innings Saturday without giving the Marlins a run, allowing just two hits and striking out seven as the Nationals won 5-1. "Oh yeah, 98, 97, 98, 98, 97 mph, that's pretty incredible," Bryce Harper said. "That's what he used to look like when he was in college being able to pump it up like that for seven, eight innings. That's pretty impressive. He's been great. It's a lot of fun to watch." Tyler Clippard, who pitched a scoreless eighth inning, also weighed in on Strasburg. "He's been throwing the lights out of it over the course of the last couple months," Clippard said. "It's been fun to watch. He's battled through some rough spots, but he's been pretty much lights-out all year. It's good to see him peaking now. It's a good time." Strasburg was able to strike out seven, each Marlin on a different pitch. Harper said Strasburg's ability to throw each pitch in the strike zone can baffle a hitter. "When he has that mentality of going out there and throw(ing) his heater, and he has got a lot of faith in that pitch," Harper said. "That makes everything else look electric. The curveball is unbelievable, that changeup is absolutely filthy. For him to pitch off of that and really go after hitters and get them out with that heater is a ... when you go to the ballpark, you don't want to face that, so that's impressive." "My arm felt good," Strasburg said. "Just went out there and try to execute pitches. Changeup was working really well. I threw my curveball for strikes when I needed to." And, finally, Strasburg gets to pitch in a playoff game, most likely Game 1 on Friday at Nationals Park. "I'm really excited," Strasburg said. "I'm going to keep doing what I am doing and give it everything I have." What has been the difference for him this season, especially this latest surge? "It's tough to say. I think just as the season went on, I got more comfortable executing pitches," Strasburg said. "I learned a lot just watching guys do their thing in between starts and just working with (pitching coach Steve McCatty) in the bullpen. It's been a good learning experience. "The goal was to throw 200 innings in the regular season and make every start. I did that. I want to keep working hard. Hopefully, I can continue to do that for many more games." Saturday was Tyler Clippard Bobblehead Day at Nats Park, with 37,529 on hand to enjoy the above-average sunny temps. Clippard tossed a scoreless eighth, much to the delight of the crowd. "It was cool man. I got the chills a little bit," Clippard said. "Kind of gets you ready for the playoffs. That's kind of what the atmosphere felt like. They were loud and into it. Any time it's like that, especially the home crowd, it's fun." He said he was very appreciative of the reception he got from the fans, and cherishes those runs out onto the field from the bullpen when he is called to pitch. "I am. I've been running out to that mound a lot in the course of the time I've been here in Washington," Clippard said. "I think the fans have taken notice and appreciate that a little bit. It's nice to hear that ovation a little bit and get that recognition. I'm very appreciative of that."