Strasburg struggles in third rehab start, allows five runs in Hagerstown

HAGERSTOWN, Md. -- Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg said last week in Potomac that there would be times where he would get knocked around, that it was all a part of the rehab process. Wednesday night in Hagerstown, in his third rehab start, Strasburg got knocked around, allowing five runs, all earned, with two walks, three strikeouts, one wild pitch in 1 2/3 innings. He threw 49 pitches, 29 for strikes, and was relieved in the second inning after recording the second out. The Lexington Legends' first four batters reached base against Strasburg in the first frame. Delino DeShields, Jr., did not swing and walked to leadoff. Tyler Burnett followed with a double that scored DeShields. Then, Domingo Santana blooped a single into right field. Telvin Nash smacked an RBI double, and suddenly it was 3-0 Legends. A key moment came on a 2-2 pitch when the home plate umpire did not give him the curve ball for a third strike. Legends' third baseman Mike Kvasnicka smiled as he looked back at the umpire as if to say, 'I couldn't hit that any way, so thanks'. Strasburg then recorded three straight outs, including his first strikeout. He was clocked from 96 to 97 mph in that first inning and rolled up 33 pitches with 25 for strikes. In the second inning, Strasburg struck out Roberto Pena to begin the frame, but Emilio King then doubled. DeShields walked again. After striking out Burnett, Strasburg's night was done. He looked visibly upset as he walked off the mound to the cheers of the Suns' faithful at Municipal Stadium. You got the feeling he wanted to fix the problem right now. Overall, Strasburg hit 96 to 98 mph and touched 99 mph a few times with his fast ball. Details after Strasburg speaks so stay tuned.