Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg (1-1) allowed six runs -- matching a career high -- and nine hits over 5 1/3 innings of a 6-3 loss at Cincinnati Sunday. Strasburg, who was charged with six runs only once in 28 starts last season, struck out five and walked four, one shy of his career high from his second career start.
The right-hander appeared shaky from the start and surrendered three runs in the first inning as he needed 114 pitches (73 strikes) to finish his outing -- just the 17th time in his career he failed to complete at least six innings.
Strasburg will attempt to rebound in his next start, Saturday at home against Atlanta. In five starts against the Braves last season, he was 3-1 with 4.10 ERA and 34 strikeouts.