Strasburg fans 11 over six innings (Nats win 4-2)

MIAMI - Right-hander Stephen Strasburg started off well with a 1-2-3 first inning where he had to throw only seven pitches.

In the second he allowed a leadoff homer by Peter O'Brien. After hitting Brian Anderson with a pitch, it looked like something bad was about to happen.

But Strasburg got control of the inning with three impressive strikeouts in a row of Lewis Brinson, Austin Dean and Magneuris Sierra.

He began the third by catching his counterpart right-hander Sandy Alcántara looking at a third strike for his fourth consecutive strikeout. Then he struck out two more for six in a row. He has seven strikeouts through three frames. Seven of the nine outs by strikeout.

The Nats have had no trouble seeing Alcántara. They loaded the bases in the first and second innings. An RBI single by Adam Eaton and a run-scoring single by Trea Turner plated two runs in the second.

Turner's bunt was fielded by O'Brien close to home plate. His toss to Alcántara was way late because Wilmer Difo had already crossed the plate.

After three innings, the Nats lead the Marlins 2-1.

Update: The Nats loaded the bases for the third time in four innings in the fourth. Eaton and Bryce Harper walked. Harper has been walked all three plate appearances. Turner singled again. Eaton and Turner have four hits combined in four innings. Anthony Rendon's fly ball to right field scored Eaton. Sierra made a nice throw but Eaton's speed was too much and he slide home safely with a left hand touch of home plate.

Mid-fourth in Miami, the Nats lead 3-1.

Update II: The Marlins string together three hits in a row in the fifth to score a run. J.T. Realmuto with a RBI single to bring home JT Riddle. With the bases loaded and two away, Strasburg strikes out Anderson to end a major threat.

After five, the Nats cling to a 3-2 lead.

Update III: With two outs in the sixth, Turner is hit by a pitch on his batting helmet from Marlins reliever Tyler Kinley. Turner stayed down for a moment in the sitting position and then walked to first base alongside trainer Paul Lessard. He stayed in the game and during the next at-bat stole second. After a walk to harper, Rendon brought him home with a RBI single.

Mid-sixth, the Nats lead the Marlins 4-2.

Update IV: Strasburg goes six innings and throws 101 pitches, 63 for strikes. He strikes out a season-high tying 11 batters, walking two, allowing two earned runs and five hits. He allowed one homer and hit a batter.

Mid-seventh, the Nats still up 4-2.

Harper's five walks are a season-high and most in the NL this season. The Rangers Rougned Odor had five waks against the Orioles August 2.

Update V: Sean Doolittle works a scoreless ninth for his 25th save. Strasburg now 9-7.

Final score: the Nats 4, the Marlins 2.