Chris Rusin's second MLB start didn't go nearly as well as his first, as the Washington Nationals chased the Cubs' starter after just one-plus innings of action Tuesday night.
Ian Desmond corked a two-run homer in the first, but the real trouble started in the second. After a lead-off homer by Jesus Flores, Rusin allowed Nats pitcher Edwin Jackson to single, then gave up a pair of doubles to Jayson Werth and Desmond, whose two-bagger netted another two runs to give him four RBI on the evening. After that, Rusin's evening was done, replaced by another inexperienced pitcher, Jaye Chapman, who is making his debut. That puts Washington up 5-0 after two innings of play, as Jackson only allowed one hit in the first inning.
Rusin was a tough-luck loser Aug. 21 after giving up one run in five innings in his Major League debut against Milwaukee. The 25-year-old from the University of Kentucky was a fourth-round pick by Chicago in 2009.
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