Giolito and Johansen garner first pro victories as they gain experience

By Byron Kerr

Nationals

August 09, 2013, 8:38am

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Right-hander Lucas Giolito recorded a couple of important "firsts" on Wednesday. In the 6-1 with over the GCL Marlins, Giolito won his first professional game, in his longest outing (five innings) with a career-high strikeouts (five). He allowed five hits, one run and one walk in the win. Giolito is now 1-1 and 3.57 ERA in 17 2/3 innings with 20 strikeouts and eight walks. He has 12 strikeouts and just two walks in his last three starts. This year's top pick right-hander Jake Johansen recorded his first win of his pro career for the short-season Single-A Auburn Doubledays. Johansen went five innings, allowing seven hits, one run, one walk and recording two strikeouts. Johansen has 30 strikeouts and 15 walks in his eight starts over 32 1.3 innings. Johansen is 1-1 with a 1.11 ERA in those eight games. The Nationals are in no hurry to move either top selection, and there is not much season left for either starter. Giolito could get a look at Auburn or low Single-A Hagerstown before the season ends. But I have been told there is no urgency to move Giolito, he is doing very nice job right where he is. And, of course, he is only 19-years-old, and has started only seven games since high school. Giolito is right on schedule.