WASHINGTON — Stephen Strasburg set a strikeout record in front of President Barack Obama — but both had left the game by the time the Chicago White Sox won it in the 11th.
The baseball holiday — every fifth day — known as Strasmas was again a spectacle Friday night. The 21-year-old rookie sensation struck out 10 to run his tally of K’s to an unprecedented 32 through three starts, yet he experienced his first no-decision in the White Sox’s 2-1 victory over the Washington Nationals.
Mark Kotsay singled and scored on Alex Rios’ infield hit off Drew Storen (2-1) in the 11th inning for the White Sox, who have won four straight. J.J. Putz (2-2) worked the 10th to get the win, and Bobby Jenks the 11th for his 14th save.
Strasburg allowed four hits over seven innings and at one point retired 15 batters in a row. He lowered his ERA to 1.86 and didn’t walk a batter. J.R. Richard held the previous record for strikeouts in his first three major-league starts, tallying 29 for the Houston Astros in 1971.
