Nationals starter Stephen Strasburg's struggles continued in Saturday's 8-1 loss to the Phillies. Strasburg could not get out of the fourth inning, allowing six runs (five earned) on seven hits in 3 2/3 innings. He walked one and struck out three, as his ERA rose to 6.50.
Strasburg allowed a two-run home run to Maikel Franco as part of a four-run third inning. Strasburg's defense didn't do him any favors, committing four errors on the afternoon.
This makes five consecutive starts in which Strasburg was unable to pitch at least six innings. He'll look to turn the tides in his next start, currently scheduled for Friday in Cincinnati.
Manager Matt Williams envoked confidence in the young right hander after the game.
"We're not concerned. He's one of our guys. He's been one of our guys, he'll continue to be one of our guys," Williams told the Washington Times.