Strasburg helps Nationals beat Marlins 4-0

Stephen Strasburg struggled through a 34-pitch first inning but escaped early jams to lead the Washington Nationals past the Florida Marlins 4-0 Friday night.

Strasburg (4-2) allowed two baserunners in each of the first three innings, walking three and throwing the first wild pitch of his career. But he finished with seven strikeouts in six innings and lowered his ERA to 2.03. Two relievers completed a four-hitter.

The shutout was the third this year for the Nationals, thanks in part to Strasburg's first scoreless outing.

Making his eighth major league start and facing Florida for the first time, Strasburg was locked in a scoreless duel with Ricky Nolasco (9-7) until Josh Willingham hit a three-run double in the sixth.