WASHINGTON (AP) — With President Barack Obama watching, Washington Nationals sensation Stephen Strasburg has set a record for most strikeouts by a pitcher in his first three major league starts.
The 21-year-old right-hander had nine strikeouts through five innings Friday night against the Chicago White Sox.
That gave Strasburg 31 strikeouts, beating the record of 29 set by the Houston Astros’ J.R. Richard in his first three starts in 1971.
The 30th strikeout came on a 92 mph changeup to Alexei Ramirez. Then Strasburg got Gordon Beckham — also on a 92 mph changeup. Both batters went down swinging.
