When the ball dashed up the middle and into the outfield Sunday, Stephen Strasburg tapped his glove on the pitching mound. Carlos Ruiz had just spoiled his no-hit bit in the fifth inning, and though Strasburg was disappointed, he was not frustrated. He still had plenty of work left before him.
Though the no-hitter eluded him, Strasburg allowed only five hits and one earned run over 7 1/3 innings, striking out seven and walking only two in Washington’s 4-1 victory over the Phillies. It was by far his best start of the young season and, in the eyes of manager Matt Williams, one of his best performances in recent memory.