World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg had a rough spring debut, giving up three runs in 1 1/3 innings, as the Washington Nationals lost 8-1 to the visiting Tampa Bay Rays on Friday at West Palm Beach, Fla.
Strasburg struck out three and threw 22 of 35 pitches for strikes before being removed. The right-hander gave up three hits and one walk.
"I think the last time I was in a competitive setting, it was a pretty big situation," Strasburg told reporters, referring to his win over the Houston Astros in Game 6 of the World Series. "You try not to think about how you're feeling out there, but it didn't really have the same rush of adrenaline as the last start.