Nationals manager Dave Martinez said before Tuesday’s game that Stephen Strasburg was “all-in” about pitching out of the bullpen. The right-hander certainly was.
Strasburg allowed just two hits and no runs with four strikeouts in a stirring 4-3 comeback win over the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Wild Card Game.
The Nationals advance to play on the road against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday in Game 1 of the National League Division Series.
Strasburg had not pitched out of the bullpen in his pro career. The last time he pitched in relief was as a freshman at San Diego State in 2007, so he was not used to being in the bullpen during a major league game.
“I tried to stay loose,” Strasburg said as teammates poured beer over his head.
Strasburg, who led the team with 18 wins this year, took over after Max Scherzer struggled, allowing three runs and three walks in five innings.
It was the ninth straight win for the Nationals, who have never advanced past the NLDS.
“Hopefully we can keep it rolling,” Ryan Zimmerman said.
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