Strasburg dominates as shutdown looms

WASHINGTON — Stephen Strasburg returned to dominant, strike-throwing form against St. Louis after struggling in his last start. According to his manager, the All-Star ace will have two more opportunities at being "vintage Strasburg" this season.

Strasburg allowed two hits over six scoreless innings, striking out nine before being pulled Sunday as the Washington Nationals beat the Cardinals 4-3.

The NL East-leading Nationals took three of four from St. Louis and passed their 80-win total from last season.

Strasburg, rocked for seven runs last Tuesday at Miami, left with a 2-0 lead and a 2.94 ERA. He threw 97 pitches and wound up with a no-decision.

"I think he had another inning in his tank, but I didn't want to run it up, maybe cost him a start," Nationals manager Davey Johnson said. "He was outstanding. . . . He was vintage Strasburg today."

The 23-year-old Strasburg has struck out a league-leading 195 in 156? innings this season. The Nationals have repeatedly stated they intend on shutting him down in his first full season since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2010.

Johnson stuck with the party line after the win while providing a firmer timeline than the club has to date.

"I think two starts, unless I let him pitch 10 (innings) in the next one out, which I'm not going to do," Johnson said. "I think his last start will be on the 12th."

The Nationals play at the New York Mets on Sept. 12, not that Strasburg is thinking that far in advance. He is scheduled to face Miami at home on Sept. 7

"I'm just focused on the next start," Strasburg said. "We're going to have a sit down and talk here soon."

Braves 8, Phillies 7

In Atlanta, Chipper Jones hit a three-run homer off Jonathan Papelbon with two outs in the ninth inning, capping a five-run rally.

Reds 5, Astros 3

In Houston, Jay Bruce's three-run homer keyed Cincinnati's five-run eighth inning and the NL Central-leading Reds rallied past the Astros.

Giants 7, Cubs 5

In Chicago, Angel Pagan hit a tiebreaking RBI single in the ninth inning and the NL West-leading Giants closed out a successful road trip by beating the Cubs.

Dodgers 5, Diamondbacks 4

In Los Angeles, Adrian Gonzalez doubled in the tying and winning runs in the bottom of the ninth inning.

Brewers 12, Pirates 8

In Milwaukee, Ryan Braun hit his NL-leading 37th home run, pitcher Yovani Gallardo also connected and the Brewers sent Pittsburgh to its 10th loss in 13 games.

Norichika Aoki was 1-for-3 with two walks and three runs scored.

Mets 5, Marlins 1

In Miami, Jason Bay hit his fifth career grand slam in the Mets' five-run first inning and New York earned a three-game sweep over the Marlins.

Rockies 11, Padres 10

In Denver, Chris Nelson had a go-ahead, three-run homer in the seventh inning and the Rockies overcame a career-best six RBIs by Chase Headley.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Tigers 4, White Sox 2

In Detroit, Justin Verlander shut down Chicago after the first inning and Delmon Young hit a tiebreaking three-run homer to lift the Tigers to a share of first place in the AL Central.

Mariners 2, Angels 1

In Seattle, Jesus Montero hit another home run off Angels ace Jered Weaver, leading Hisashi Iwakuma and the Mariners past Los Angeles.

Iwakuma (6-3) threw 7? scoreless innings, allowing five hits and striking out seven.

Rangers 8, Indians 3

In Cleveland, Jurickson Profar made quite a debut at age 19, homering in his first major league at-bat and doubling his next time up.

Josh Hamilton, Adrian Beltre and David Murphy all hit solo home runs.

Athletics 6, Red Sox 2

In Oakland, Seth Smith hit a two-run homer, and the Athletics beat Boston for their season-best ninth straight win.

Red Sox starter Daisuke Matsuzaka (1-4) was tagged for six runs and seven hits in 3? innings.

Orioles 8, Yankees 3

In New York, Mark Reynolds hit a three-run shot in the sixth inning and Baltimore closed in on the AL East-leading Yankees.

Ichiro Suzuki was 1-for-4 for New York.

Rays 9, Blue Jays 4

In Toronto, David Price earned his AL-leading 17th victory by pitching 6? solid innings.

Royals 6, Twins 4

In Kansas City, Tony Abreu drove in three runs and the Royals beat Minnesota to avoid a three-game sweep.

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