What To Watch For: 6/8
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Washington Nationals (32-23) vs. Boston Red Sox (29-28)
RHP Stephen Strasburg (6-1, 2.35) vs. LHP Felix Dubront (6-2, 3.75)
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
On this date two years ago, with the entire MLB community watching, Stephen Strasburg made his MLB debut in a 5-2 win over the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates. Strasburg allowed just two runs on four hits in 7.0 innings of work. In front of a packed house of 40,315 fans, he struck out 14 batters, the most in franchise history since baseball returned to the District in 2005. Tonight against Boston, Strasburg will pitch in New England for the first time since closing for the New England Collegiate Baseball League’s Torrington Twisters in the summer of 2007.
SHIPPING UP TO BOSTON
The Nationals franchise, which began in Montreal in 1969, remains in search of its first victory at Fenway Park. The Nationals or Expos have been swept here three times and been outscored, 69-20. Washington returns to Fenway Park for just the second time, and the only National that remains in place from Washington’s other three-game visit, June 19-21, 2006, is Ryan Zimmerman.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, NATIONAL LEAGUE
Beginning with a three-game set this weekend at Fenway Park, the Nationals begin a stretch of 15 straight contests against the American League. During that stretch, they’ll face off against the Red Sox (June 8-10) at Fenway Park, against the Blue Jays (June 11-13) at Rogers Centre, against the Yankees (June 15-17) and Rays (June 19-21) at Nationals Park, and at Camden Yards vs. the Orioles (June 22-24). Washington is 1-2 this season in Interleague Play, after hosting the Orioles from May 18-20 at Nationals Park. The Nationals (‘05-present) are 57-69 all-time against the AL, including 22-41 on the road and 35-28 at home.
