After five innings of solid pitching, David Huff finally breaks down in the sixth inning as the top of the lineup returns for their third go-around. Josh Willingham, Ivan Rodriguez and Ian Desmond come up wit big hits as the Nationals extend the lead to 6-1. Barring a collapse from the bullpen, Strasburg has plenty of run support for the rest of the game.
Finally, Shin-Soo Choo makes contact, but only hits a soft liner for an out.
Carlos Santana records the first non-home run hit of the day for the Indians and now the pitching coach wants to have a little chat. Strasburg seems to be slowing down a little bit and I think the Nats are hoping to get him through this inning before they take him out.
The talk didn't do much help. Travis Hafner walks and on the fourth ball, Strasburg's plant foot slid slightly as he released.
The ground crew is back out to work on the mound again. You have to wonder if the mound conditions are starting to get in Strasburg's head.
Strasburg walks Austin Kearns and that will be it for Strasburg on the day.
Drew Storen does a marvelous job getting out of a bases loaded jam, forcing Russell Branyan into a pop fly and striking out Jhonny Peralta to get out of the inning. A nice outing for both of the future arms of the Washington Nationals.
