Obama sees Strasburg set strikeout record _ 31 Ks in 1st 3 major league starts

Obama sees Strasburg set strikeout record

WASHINGTON — With President Barack Obama watching, Washington Nationals sensation Stephen Strasburg has set a record for most strikeouts by a pitcher in his first three major league starts.

The 21-year-old right-hander had 10 strikeouts Friday night against the Chicago White Sox.

That gave Strasburg 32 strikeouts, beating the record of 29 set by the Houston Astros’ J.R. Richard in his first three starts in 1971.

Strasburg was removed after seven innings with the score tied at 1. He allowed four hits and didn’t walk a batter. He threw 85 pitches, with 59 strikes.

Strasburg allowed a run in the first inning, but he retired the next 15 batters in a row.