Strasburg Scintillating In Spring Debut Vs. Tigers
March 9, 2010 at 6:56 PM by AHN · Leave a Comment
Viera, FL, United States (AHN) – Nationals’ top prospect Stephen Strasburg threw two scoreless innings in his much anticipated Spring Training debut Tuesday in Washington’s 9-4 loss to the Detroit Tigers.
The No. 1 overall pick in the ‘09 First-Year Player Draft, who inked a four-year, $15.1 million contract with Washington, allowed only two hits and struck out two batters in the setback.
Strasburg, amid the pressure and expectations, baffled the Tigers batters in the first inning with blistering pitches that clocked no lower than 96 mph.
In the second inning, where he faced the toughest part of the order, the 21-year-old phenom uncorked two curveballs registering just above 80 mph against Miguel Cabrera.
He later struck out the Tigers slugger, who has had 100 RBIs six straight seasons, with a scorching 98 mph fastball.
After two successive two-out singles to Don Kelly and Alex Avila, the 2009 Golden Spikes Award winner steadied himself and finished off Brent Dlugach with an 81 mph curveball for an inning-ending strikeout.
Strasburg threw 15 of his pitches for strikes.
Strasburg went 13-1 in his final season with San Diego State before the Nationals made him the first pick in last year’s draft and signed him to record contract.
