Strasburg allows two-run bomb in first inning of spring (much sharper in second)

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - I told you the wind could be a factor today. Stephen Strasburg's first inning of spring saw him surrender a two-run homer to a guy - Ruben Tejada - who had just one home run in 114 games last season. Tejada took a 93 mph Strasburg fastball over the left-center field fence, giving the Mets a 2-0 lead over the Nationals just two batters into Strasburg's Grapefruit League debut. The ball was struck well, but it definitely was wind-aided. We might be in for a few more of those this afternoon. Strasburg allowed three hits in the frame, throwing 31 pitches overall in the first inning, 18 of which were strikes. His fastball topped out at 96 mph on the stadium gun. Of the 31 pitches Strasburg threw in the first, 28 were fastballs. He mixed in two curves and a changeup, but didn't have great control with his heater. Strasburg struck out Lucas Duda looking to end the first. Update: The Nats got Strasburg some runs in the top of the second, with Ian Desmond, Chris Marrero and Chris Snyder all reaching base and then coming around to score. Desmond singled to left on the first pitch he saw from Mets righty Shaun Marcum (shocker, Desmond swung at the first pitch), Marrero brought him in on a double to the gap in left-center and Snyder followed with a two-run bomb to left. Just like that, it's 3-2 Nats. Strasburg was much sharper in his second inning of work, throwing 11 pitches, six for strikes. He retired John Buck, Justin Turner and Jordany Valdespin in order, and that'll be it for the Nationals righty. He'll leave having thrown 42 pitches overall (just short of his 45-pitch limit), 24 for strikes. Strasburg mixed his offspeed pitches more in the second innings, spinning three curves. His final line: 2 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K. Craig Stammen will enter to work the third inning for the Nationals.