On Thursday night, the Washington Nationals had their top prospect, Lucas Giolito, have one of the best games of his professional career. Even though his team, the Potomac Nationals (Washington’s high-A affiliate) took the loss 1-0 against the Wilmington Blue Rocks, the 22-year old right-hander definitely improved after his first start of the season.
In six innings of work, Giolito gave up one earned run on five hits, walked one batter, but the most impressive stat was the 11 strikeouts that he had. Keep in mind, his career high for strikeouts in a game was nine, which he had twice for low-A Hagerstown last season (June 26 and July 19).