Could Strasburg tally another career first? (Strasburg shuts out Phillies)

Through seven scoreless innings tonight, Stephen Strasburg has thrown just 82 pitches. He's struck out 10, surrendered just four hits and a walk and failed to allow a runner into scoring position. Strasburg has notched a number of firsts this season, and he could be in line for another. His first career complete game is well within reach. This is now Strasburg's 10th career double-digit strikeout game, but despite the strikeouts, the pitch count has remained relatively low. Strasburg has completed eight innings three times in his career (all this season), but he's needed 117, 112 and 118 pitches to get through eight in those two outings. Tonight, he's attacked, gone right after guys and gotten two double plays. The Nationals have given Strasburg a nice 6-0 cushion to work with, which certainly doesn't hurt. The right-hander hasn't had many opportunities to pitch with a big lead this season, but he's taken advantage of those circumstances tonight. Meanwhile, Jayson Werth left the game after six innings and was replaced by Roger Bernadina in right field. Werth went 3-for-4 with three singles tonight, his second straight three-hit game, but he looked to be moving pretty slowly after his sixth-inning single. Davey Johnson won't take any chances with Werth, who has battled a strained groin muscle in recent months, and he'll get the rest of the night off. We'll get an update on Werth's status after the game. Update: There it is. Strasburg has his first career complete game, and the Nationals have a three-game sweep over the Phillies. Strasburg shut the Phillies out on just four hits tonight, striking out 10 and breezing through the Philadelphia lineup with ease. He finished his day by throwing just 99 pitches, 67 for strikes. He didn't allow a single runner into scoring position all night, and picks up his sixth win of the season. Strasburg earns the second shutout by a Nationals pitcher this season, joining Jordan Zimmermann. The Nats, meanwhile, have now won three straight and climbed back to three games under .500. A day off comes tomorrow followed by three against the Giants here at Nats Park.