PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - Washington's rookie pitcher Stephen Strasburg was forced to leave the game with an apparent arm injury, but the Nationals still cruised to a 8-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday.
The Nationals, behind a strong performance from Strasburg, were leading 5-1 in the fifth inning when he winced in pain and shook his right arm following a pitch. Nationals manager Jim Riggleman immediately replaced the starter, who had allowed just two hits while striking out six.
Roger Bernadina led the Nationals offense, scoring three runs and driving in three with a home run in the ninth inning.
Placido Polanco scored Philadelphia's only run in the fourth inning on an RBI single by Ryan Howard, who was activated from the disabled list on Saturday.
The Phillies, however, still have a one game lead on the San Francisco Giants in the National League wild card race, as the Giants lost 5-1 to the St. Louis Cardinals.
Philadelphia also remain 2- games behind the NL East leading Atlanta Braves, who lost 5-4 to the Chicago Cubs.
(Reporting by Mike Mouat in Windsor, Ontario; Editing by Greg Stutchbury)
