Nationals Report

THE BUZZ

Tracking the Nationals’ news and trends from the past week:

UP: INVADING THE CIRCUS

Nationals in Los Angeles during Manny problem, in Arizona when manager fired — two wins

UP: THE STREAK

Zimmerman keeps hitting and keeps letting us reference the immortal Heinie Manush

DOWN: TO BE CONTINUED

After 11 innings and 20 runs, rain forces Astros series to finish in Houston in July

UP: 9-2

Kearns and Flores team up on an impressive 9-2 forceout

STRASBURG WATCH

Your weekly update on San Diego State right-hander (and presumptive Nationals No. 1 draft pick) Stephen Strasburg:

Strasburg started his final home game Friday night, and he couldn’t have drawn up a better script to cap a brilliant college career. With an overflow crowd of 3,337 (largest ever at Tony Gwynn Stadium) cheering his every move — and Nationals acting GM Mike Rizzo and scouting director Dana Brown seated behind the plate — Strasburg no-hit Air Force in a 5-0 victory. The big right-hander struck out 17, including the three batters he faced in the ninth inning, and allowed only two men to reach base (leadoff walks in the fourth and sixth).

The final punchout set off a wild celebration at the center of the diamond as Strasburg was mobbed by teammates after the first no-hitter of his life.

Season stats: 11-0, 1.24 ERA, 87 1/3 innings, 48 hits, 17 walks, 164 strikeouts

Story Continues →