The Washington Nationals overcame two deficits to beat the Atlanta Braves 5-4 in 11 innings on Wednesday, but the victory may have been a Pyrrhic one. Stud starter Stephen Strasburg, in his first start off of a disabled list that saw him out of action for 16 games due to right elbow soreness, lasted only 3 1/3 innings before feeling a pinch in the same elbow.
“He did everything that was asked of him,” said Nationals manager Dusty Baker. “He was cleared. He wasn’t trying to be a hero. He said he felt fine.”
There has been no official word about the full extent of the injury. After he was removed, the Nationals had to turn to nine different arms to keep their team in the game. It was all hands on deck for the bullpen, which proved to be a valiant effort that was matched by an offense that knew how important their role was.
“It was important,” said Baker, referencing to the victory. “This was a team victory. We used guys we haven’t used in the past. They came through.”
The winning pitcher on record was Mat Latos, who secured his first victory as a National in only a third of an inning. Only one Nationals pitcher pitched more than one inning after Strasburg’s departure. Lucas Giolito, who is considered to be their top prospect at 22 years of age, pitched 3 1/3. He gave up two runs in that outing, including a solo home run to top Braves prospect Dansby Swanson.
The Nationals offense, on the other hand, managed to tie the game in the 7th and then the 10th. Their five runs came via 15 hits, which included three from potential MVP Daniel Murphy, who drove in his 99th and 100th RBI’s of the season. He led the charge as Jayson Werth, Trea Turner, and Wilson Ramos each had two hits apiece. It was Ramos’ 11th inning walkoff single that won the game for the Nationals, setting their record at 82-57.
All 11 innings took four hours and 39 minutes, though including a 57 minute delay. Washington has a quick turnaround as they now have a series with the Philadelphia Phillies, starting Thursday at 7:05 pm.
