Offense quiet again as Nats lose 3-1

The Nationals broke a 19-inning scoreless streak right out of the gates. Yunel Escobar drove Ryan Vogelsong's first pitch of the game just over the wall in left-center for his third leadoff homer of the year. It was Escobar's eighth longball of the season and the Nats' seventh to start a game this season.

After Vogelsong walked Bryce Harper, Giants shortstop Brandon Belt robbed Ryan Zimmerman on a blistered grounder to force Harper at second. Vogelsong then issued back-to-back free passes to Jayson Werth and Ian Desmond to the load the bases.

With a huge chance for early damage, Wilson Ramos grounded out to second baseman Kelby Tomlinson to let Vogelsong off the hook.

The Giants answered immediatley in the bottom of the inning. Gregor Blanco ripped Stephen Strasburg's 96 mph heater into the gap in right-center. Harper took a poor route to the ball, allowing it to roll all the way to the wall for a leadoff triple.

Matt Duffy quickly followed with base knock to right, scoring Blanco. After Strasburg walked Brandon Belt, Buster Posey drilled a single to left, plating Duffy to give the Giants the lead.

Update: Strasburg battled through the early difficulties to turn in his second straight strong start. He allowed two runs on seven hits, with two walks and eight strikeouts. Strasburg threw 101 pitches.

Meanwhile, the Nats have managed just two singles since Escobar's leadoff homer. Vogelsong went on to strike out a season-high eight batters over five innings. Giants right-hander Hunter Strickland came out of the bullpen to add three more strikeouts over two scoreless innings.

Update II: Left-hander Felipe Rivero followed Strasburg to the mound to start the seventh. After walking Blanco, Rivero gave up a two-out RBI single to Belt as the Giants extended their lead.

Update III: Michael A. Taylor doubled off Giants closer Santiago Casilla in the ninth, but the Casilla shut the door after, ending the game by whiffing pinch-hitter Danny Espinosa.

The Giants beat the Nationals 3-1.