Nationals prospect Strasburg strikes out 8 in 5 innings in minor league debut at Double-A

Nationals prospect Strasburg debuts in minors

ALTOONA, Pa. — Top Washington Nationals prospect Stephen Strasburg has pitched five innings in his minor league debut, throwing consistently in the 97-98 mph range while allowing four hits and four runs — one earned — with eight strikeouts and two walks for Harrisburg of the Double-A Eastern League.

Strasburg also delivered an RBI double Sunday against Pittsburgh Pirates affiliate Altoona for his first professional hit.

Strasburg threw 82 pitches and left with Harrisburg leading 5-4. He allowed an earned run in the first inning on a double and single, then three unearned runs in the fourth, when Harrisburg made two errors.

The right-hander from San Diego State was the No. 1 overall pick in June’s amateur draft and signed a record $15.1 million, four-year contract with the Nationals.