Major League Baseball

Strasburg feels pinch in elbow, Nats beat Braves in 11th

Published Sep. 8, 2016 3:12 a.m. ET

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WASHINGTON (AP) Nationals ace Stephen Strasburg felt a pinch in the back of his elbow and was forced to make an early exit in his first start since returning from the disabled list, and NL East-leading Washington went on to defeat Atlanta 5-4 in 11 innings Wednesday night.

The Nationals said Strasburg would get an MRI and didn't elaborate on the severity of his injury. Strasburg winced on the mound after throwing a pitch in the third inning, and manager Dusty Baker said Strasburg had felt a pinch.

Strasburg had been out since Aug. 17 because of soreness in his right elbow. He left after 2 1/3 innings, allowing a run on two hits.

With Braves pitcher Mike Foltynewicz attempting to bunt after Dansby Swanson's leadoff double, Strasburg's 0-2 pitch sailed high. Strasburg grimaced, walked around the mound and then threw another pitch, retiring Foltynewicz.

Washington's trainer came out and Strasburg departed, covering his mouth with his glove as he reached the dugout.

Strasburg was replaced by Sean Burnett, who gave up an RBI double to Adonis Garcia.

Jayson Werth walked leading off the 11th and Daniel Murphy followed with a double off Jed Bradley (1-1). After Bryce Harper was intentionally walked to load the bases, Wilson Ramos singled off Brandon Cunniff to win it.

Mat Latos (1-0), the 10th Nationals pitcher, got one out for the win.

Atlanta's Jace Peterson and Washington's Anthony Rendon traded RBI singles in the 10th.

Swanson homered for the second straight game, this time sending one over the fence following Tuesday night's inside-the-park home run.

Murphy's two-run single in the seventh tied the score at 3 and gave him 100 RBIs for the season.

Strasburg struck out four and walked none. He threw 42 pitches.

Before going on the disabled list, he allowed 19 runs over his final three starts, including nine over 1 2/3 innings against Colorado last time out.

Strasburg started out 13-0 this season, and went into this start with a 15-4 record.

The start of the game was delayed 57 minutes, though it ultimately only rained lightly during the early portion of the game.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Nationals: The team reinstated INF Stephen Drew, who missed 40 games due to vertigo-like symptoms.

UP NEXT

Braves: RHP Julio Tehran (5-9, 3.01) starts when the Braves open a three-game series Friday against the Mets. He has allowed two runs over 13 innings while winning his last two starts.

Nationals: RHP A.J. Cole (1-1, 3.86) makes his fourth start of the season when the Nationals host the Phillies on Thursday. Last time out, Cole allowed a run on three hits over six innings to beat the Mets for his first major league win.

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