Uniform:Utah State among surprises

Football returned last weekend, and amid all the uncertainty surrounding the sport, it was reassuring to see that some things remain the same. Ohio State (2) can play defense with or without Jim Tressel, shutting out an admittedly awful Akron program that now has scored a total of 10 points in its past three season openers. Oklahoma State (3) can score no matter who is calling plays, racking up 61 points without getting a touchdown from wide receiver Justin Blackmon, who had 21 of them last year. And Lane Kiffin (4) still can call for a two-point conversion for no good reason. Pure genius.

They've been playing in the Big House since 1927, but not until Notre Dame (6) limps into Ann Arbor fresh off its face-plant against South Florida will they kick off a game there at dark. Thus the Wolverines will join the ranks of the Panamanian night monkey, Cyprus spiny mouse and nine-banded armadillo as nocturnal animals.

The Dash has secured an exclusive copy of a statement sent to the Michigan administration by the Nine-Banded Armadillo Association of America: "Welcome to our world."

(Brainstorm: Since Michigan does not have an actual wolverine mascot, The Dash suggests procuring a nine-banded armadillo as a fill-in. Who wouldn't want to see that armor-plated oddity on the sidelines in the Big House? Especially since, as Wikipedia puts it, "The armadillo can jump 3-4 feet straight in the air if sufficiently frightened." That beats rolling over and playing dead when sufficiently frightened, which is what Michigan has done for the last several years against Ohio State.)

By all accounts, the Michigan fan base is insanely excited about joining the 1980s and playing at home at night. Athletic director Dave Brandon said in the spring that the school "could probably sell 150,000 tickets" for the game. And Stephen Nesbitt, co-managing sports editor of the Michigan Daily, said he knows students who are getting more for their Notre Dame ticket than the cost of the entire season student pass.

"Students are getting $300 just for this game," Nesbitt said. "That's a price normally reserved for Ohio State."

Even recent games against the Buckeyes haven't carried the anticipatory payload of this one.

"It's early in the Brady Hoke era; people are very excited," Nesbitt said. "It's not at the end of a .500 year. The Ohio State game has lost its luster recently."

Although the Fighting Irish did their best to rub the luster off this game, nobody in Michigan seems to have noticed. After decades of noon kickoffs, the tailgaters will not have their pregame festivities rushed for once.

"I assume it will be like always -- start at the crack of dawn," Nesbitt said. "Just go a lot longer. It will definitely be a stamina test."

For Michigan fans seeking night-game role models, The Dash has a handy list. These are the six places that come alive the most after dark:

[+] EnlargeTiger Stadium
Sean Gardner/Getty ImagesWolverines fans could learn a thing or two from the crowd at Tiger Stadium, annually one of the best night-game atmospheres.

Tiger Stadium (7), LSU. From Bourbon Street to Baton Rouge, the freaks come out at night in Louisiana. And nowhere are they more raucous and unnerving than at Tiger Stadium. LSU played its first night game there on Oct. 3, 1931, beating something called Spring Hill 35-0. According to the LSU athletics website, the Tigers are 219-60-4 at night in "Death Valley" since 1960, and just 21-26-3 during the day over that span. And of course, vampire-in-residence Les Miles is extra tough after dark, winning 28 of 29 home night games.

But with every new season come new dynamics, and this Saturday we get a big one: an actual night game in Michigan Stadium (5).

Uniform:Utah State among surprises

Football returned last weekend, and amid all the uncertainty surrounding the sport, it was reassuring to see that some things remain the same. Ohio State (2) can play defense with or without Jim Tressel, shutting out an admittedly awful Akron program that now has scored a total of 10 points in its past three season openers. Oklahoma State (3) can score no matter who is calling plays, racking up 61 points without getting a touchdown from wide receiver Justin Blackmon, who had 21 of them last year. And Lane Kiffin (4) still can call for a two-point conversion for no good reason. Pure genius.

They've been playing in the Big House since 1927, but not until Notre Dame (6) limps into Ann Arbor fresh off its face-plant against South Florida will they kick off a game there at dark. Thus the Wolverines will join the ranks of the Panamanian night monkey, Cyprus spiny mouse and nine-banded armadillo as nocturnal animals.

The Dash has secured an exclusive copy of a statement sent to the Michigan administration by the Nine-Banded Armadillo Association of America: "Welcome to our world."

(Brainstorm: Since Michigan does not have an actual wolverine mascot, The Dash suggests procuring a nine-banded armadillo as a fill-in. Who wouldn't want to see that armor-plated oddity on the sidelines in the Big House? Especially since, as Wikipedia puts it, "The armadillo can jump 3-4 feet straight in the air if sufficiently frightened." That beats rolling over and playing dead when sufficiently frightened, which is what Michigan has done for the last several years against Ohio State.)

By all accounts, the Michigan fan base is insanely excited about joining the 1980s and playing at home at night. Athletic director Dave Brandon said in the spring that the school "could probably sell 150,000 tickets" for the game. And Stephen Nesbitt, co-managing sports editor of the Michigan Daily, said he knows students who are getting more for their Notre Dame ticket than the cost of the entire season student pass.

"Students are getting $300 just for this game," Nesbitt said. "That's a price normally reserved for Ohio State."

Even recent games against the Buckeyes haven't carried the anticipatory payload of this one.

"It's early in the Brady Hoke era; people are very excited," Nesbitt said. "It's not at the end of a .500 year. The Ohio State game has lost its luster recently."

Although the Fighting Irish did their best to rub the luster off this game, nobody in Michigan seems to have noticed. After decades of noon kickoffs, the tailgaters will not have their pregame festivities rushed for once.

"I assume it will be like always -- start at the crack of dawn," Nesbitt said. "Just go a lot longer. It will definitely be a stamina test."

For Michigan fans seeking night-game role models, The Dash has a handy list. These are the six places that come alive the most after dark:

[+] EnlargeTiger Stadium
Sean Gardner/Getty ImagesWolverines fans could learn a thing or two from the crowd at Tiger Stadium, annually one of the best night-game atmospheres.

Tiger Stadium (7), LSU. From Bourbon Street to Baton Rouge, the freaks come out at night in Louisiana. And nowhere are they more raucous and unnerving than at Tiger Stadium. LSU played its first night game there on Oct. 3, 1931, beating something called Spring Hill 35-0. According to the LSU athletics website, the Tigers are 219-60-4 at night in "Death Valley" since 1960, and just 21-26-3 during the day over that span. And of course, vampire-in-residence Les Miles is extra tough after dark, winning 28 of 29 home night games.

But with every new season come new dynamics, and this Saturday we get a big one: an actual night game in Michigan Stadium (5).

Uniform:Utah State among surprises

Football returned last weekend, and amid all the uncertainty surrounding the sport, it was reassuring to see that some things remain the same. Ohio State (2) can play defense with or without Jim Tressel, shutting out an admittedly awful Akron program that now has scored a total of 10 points in its past three season openers. Oklahoma State (3) can score no matter who is calling plays, racking up 61 points without getting a touchdown from wide receiver Justin Blackmon, who had 21 of them last year. And Lane Kiffin (4) still can call for a two-point conversion for no good reason. Pure genius.

They've been playing in the Big House since 1927, but not until Notre Dame (6) limps into Ann Arbor fresh off its face-plant against South Florida will they kick off a game there at dark. Thus the Wolverines will join the ranks of the Panamanian night monkey, Cyprus spiny mouse and nine-banded armadillo as nocturnal animals.

The Dash has secured an exclusive copy of a statement sent to the Michigan administration by the Nine-Banded Armadillo Association of America: "Welcome to our world."

(Brainstorm: Since Michigan does not have an actual wolverine mascot, The Dash suggests procuring a nine-banded armadillo as a fill-in. Who wouldn't want to see that armor-plated oddity on the sidelines in the Big House? Especially since, as Wikipedia puts it, "The armadillo can jump 3-4 feet straight in the air if sufficiently frightened." That beats rolling over and playing dead when sufficiently frightened, which is what Michigan has done for the last several years against Ohio State.)

By all accounts, the Michigan fan base is insanely excited about joining the 1980s and playing at home at night. Athletic director Dave Brandon said in the spring that the school "could probably sell 150,000 tickets" for the game. And Stephen Nesbitt, co-managing sports editor of the Michigan Daily, said he knows students who are getting more for their Notre Dame ticket than the cost of the entire season student pass.

"Students are getting $300 just for this game," Nesbitt said. "That's a price normally reserved for Ohio State."

Even recent games against the Buckeyes haven't carried the anticipatory payload of this one.

"It's early in the Brady Hoke era; people are very excited," Nesbitt said. "It's not at the end of a .500 year. The Ohio State game has lost its luster recently."

Although the Fighting Irish did their best to rub the luster off this game, nobody in Michigan seems to have noticed. After decades of noon kickoffs, the tailgaters will not have their pregame festivities rushed for once.

"I assume it will be like always -- start at the crack of dawn," Nesbitt said. "Just go a lot longer. It will definitely be a stamina test."

For Michigan fans seeking night-game role models, The Dash has a handy list. These are the six places that come alive the most after dark:

[+] EnlargeTiger Stadium
Sean Gardner/Getty ImagesWolverines fans could learn a thing or two from the crowd at Tiger Stadium, annually one of the best night-game atmospheres.

Tiger Stadium (7), LSU. From Bourbon Street to Baton Rouge, the freaks come out at night in Louisiana. And nowhere are they more raucous and unnerving than at Tiger Stadium. LSU played its first night game there on Oct. 3, 1931, beating something called Spring Hill 35-0. According to the LSU athletics website, the Tigers are 219-60-4 at night in "Death Valley" since 1960, and just 21-26-3 during the day over that span. And of course, vampire-in-residence Les Miles is extra tough after dark, winning 28 of 29 home night games.

But with every new season come new dynamics, and this Saturday we get a big one: an actual night game in Michigan Stadium (5).

Edmonton Oilers

Ryan Whitney

Much of the offseason discussion about the Oilers has focused on winger Taylor Hall and his recovery from an ankle injury that cut short his rookie season. Hall appears to be fine and ready to roll. But the bigger issue for an Oilers team hoping to make a surprise jump into the Western Conference playoff fray is the rehabilitation of Ryan Whitney from an ankle injury that derailed a breakout year for the big defenseman.

Whitney had 27 points in 35 games for the Oilers at the time of his injury, and head coach Tom Renney told ESPN.com this week Whitney is their best blueliner and emerging into an important leader for the young Oilers. Whitney said in an interview that he had a minor setback in his recovery a couple of weeks ago but has no doubt he can return to the level of play he delivered a year ago.

"I know I can be the type of player I was in the first half of last year," Whitney said.

Edmonton Oilers

Ryan Whitney

Much of the offseason discussion about the Oilers has focused on winger Taylor Hall and his recovery from an ankle injury that cut short his rookie season. Hall appears to be fine and ready to roll. But the bigger issue for an Oilers team hoping to make a surprise jump into the Western Conference playoff fray is the rehabilitation of Ryan Whitney from an ankle injury that derailed a breakout year for the big defenseman.

Whitney had 27 points in 35 games for the Oilers at the time of his injury, and head coach Tom Renney told ESPN.com this week Whitney is their best blueliner and emerging into an important leader for the young Oilers. Whitney said in an interview that he had a minor setback in his recovery a couple of weeks ago but has no doubt he can return to the level of play he delivered a year ago.

"I know I can be the type of player I was in the first half of last year," Whitney said.

Edmonton Oilers

Ryan Whitney

Much of the offseason discussion about the Oilers has focused on winger Taylor Hall and his recovery from an ankle injury that cut short his rookie season. Hall appears to be fine and ready to roll. But the bigger issue for an Oilers team hoping to make a surprise jump into the Western Conference playoff fray is the rehabilitation of Ryan Whitney from an ankle injury that derailed a breakout year for the big defenseman.

Whitney had 27 points in 35 games for the Oilers at the time of his injury, and head coach Tom Renney told ESPN.com this week Whitney is their best blueliner and emerging into an important leader for the young Oilers. Whitney said in an interview that he had a minor setback in his recovery a couple of weeks ago but has no doubt he can return to the level of play he delivered a year ago.

"I know I can be the type of player I was in the first half of last year," Whitney said.

Bike Crash : Paul Holmgren hurt

PHILADELPHIA : : Mr. Paul Holmgren admitted in hospital by crashing a bike. Philadelphia Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren has been hospitalized following a bike crash at the New Jersey shore.

Holmgren was injured Monday while riding his bike in Avalon, N.J. He was listed in stable condition Tuesday at a hospital in Camden.

Holmgren

Holmgren is sore but in good spirits, a team spokesman said.

Holmgren was admitted to the hospital with multiple fractures and cuts, according to media reports.

Players offered their best wishes for Holmgren on Twitter, including James van Riemsdyk, who tweeted Holmgren was wearing a helmet. Defenseman Matt Carle called it a "scary, scary situation."

Avalon police say Holmgren told officers he lost his balance while riding Monday morning and suffered a cut on his head and a scraped shin. No one else was involved in the accident.

Holmgren played 10 seasons in the NHL, including eight for the Flyers. He formerly coached the Flyers and served as coach and GM of the Hartford Whalers.

The Flyers signed Holmgren to a three-year contract extension in January.

Bike Crash : Paul Holmgren hurt

PHILADELPHIA : : Mr. Paul Holmgren admitted in hospital by crashing a bike. Philadelphia Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren has been hospitalized following a bike crash at the New Jersey shore.

Holmgren was injured Monday while riding his bike in Avalon, N.J. He was listed in stable condition Tuesday at a hospital in Camden.

Holmgren

Holmgren is sore but in good spirits, a team spokesman said.

Holmgren was admitted to the hospital with multiple fractures and cuts, according to media reports.

Players offered their best wishes for Holmgren on Twitter, including James van Riemsdyk, who tweeted Holmgren was wearing a helmet. Defenseman Matt Carle called it a "scary, scary situation."

Avalon police say Holmgren told officers he lost his balance while riding Monday morning and suffered a cut on his head and a scraped shin. No one else was involved in the accident.

Holmgren played 10 seasons in the NHL, including eight for the Flyers. He formerly coached the Flyers and served as coach and GM of the Hartford Whalers.

The Flyers signed Holmgren to a three-year contract extension in January.

Bike Crash : Paul Holmgren hurt

PHILADELPHIA : : Mr. Paul Holmgren admitted in hospital by crashing a bike. Philadelphia Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren has been hospitalized following a bike crash at the New Jersey shore.

Holmgren was injured Monday while riding his bike in Avalon, N.J. He was listed in stable condition Tuesday at a hospital in Camden.

Holmgren

Holmgren is sore but in good spirits, a team spokesman said.

Holmgren was admitted to the hospital with multiple fractures and cuts, according to media reports.

Players offered their best wishes for Holmgren on Twitter, including James van Riemsdyk, who tweeted Holmgren was wearing a helmet. Defenseman Matt Carle called it a "scary, scary situation."

Avalon police say Holmgren told officers he lost his balance while riding Monday morning and suffered a cut on his head and a scraped shin. No one else was involved in the accident.

Holmgren played 10 seasons in the NHL, including eight for the Flyers. He formerly coached the Flyers and served as coach and GM of the Hartford Whalers.

The Flyers signed Holmgren to a three-year contract extension in January.

Dodgers win: Five time Stephen Strasburg win toss

Mr. Stephen Strasburg win five times toss in the year,but he cant win his last game.Stephen Strasburg's lost year appeared to evaporate from the moment he started his walk from the bullpen. The crowd again gave him a standing ovation, all the way to the dugout. Washington Nationals pitching coach Steve McCatty again joked he was the "Steve" the fans had come to see.

The radar gun again registered in the high 90s. The 90 mph changeup remained almost unhittable. The main man himself downplayed his accomplishments, as he always does, while his manager, teammates and opponents exhausted their supply of superlatives.

In his first major league start since undergoing Tommy John surgery, the 2011 edition of Strasburg was every bit as impressive as the 2010 version that wowed the baseball world. The 23-year-old right-hander allowed two hits over five shutout innings before the bullpen blew the lead in the Nationals' 7-3 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

"He was outstanding. He looked totally relaxed, totally in control," manager Davey Johnson said. "He had all his pitches working. He made it look easy. Real low pitch count. Looked strong at the end. ... It was just like he hadn't been out."

Last year's magical days of "Strasmus" came to an abrupt end when the 2009 No. 1 overall draft pick felt his elbow pop on Aug. 21 in Philadelphia, and his long road back began when he had the now-familiar, career-saving ligament replacement surgery last Sept. 3. He wound his way through six minor league rehab starts with four teams in four states over the last month, culminating with a return to the majors that was easily the most anticipated event of the season for a Nationals club trying to avoid a fourth consecutive last-place NL East finish.

His workload carefully monitored, Strasburg threw 56 pitches, 40 for strikes. The fastball peaked at 99 mph. He struck out four, didn't walk a batter, and a string of 11 retired in a row ended when Juan Rivera was generously given a hit for a ground ball that went under shortstop Ian Desmond's glove."The game seemed it was in slow motion out there," Strasburg said. "From what it felt like in the debut last year, I felt I'd kind of been through it before, so I was definitely a lot more relaxed out there, really focusing on just trying to execute pitches and get guys out."Strasburg emphasized again he is much stronger than before, having spent his year conditioning the rest of his body. He's expected to get three more starts this season, but he doesn't expect the full payoff to come until 2012."It's not like I was waiting 368 days for this time," he said. "I'm still on a mission here. I wanted to get stronger, mentally and physically, through this process. I had something that I wanted to work on every single day. I didn't waste a minute waiting for this time to come, because I knew it was going to come sooner or later."Strasburg was set to get the win when he departed with a 3-0 lead, but Dodgers tied it in the sixth. Then even the weather gave up on the game, at least temporarily, as the rain returned in the seventh to force a 31-minute delay and empty the ballpark of all but a hardy few.Those that remained saw Rod Barajas' two-run double in the eighth inning off Henry Rodriguez (3-3) put the Dodgers ahead for good, giving Kelly Jansen (2-1) the win.Strasburg even scored his first career run, part of a three-run second inning. He reached by laying down a sacrifice that turned into a two-base throwing error. Strasburg wound up at second on the play, went to third on Desmond's single and came home on Jayson Werth's groundout.Of course, there was no way Strasburg could match his major league debut, when he struck out 14 Pittsburgh Pirates on June 8, 2010. He finished 5-3 as a rookie, with a 2.91 ERA in 12 starts.Only a few thousand fans were in the stands when Strasburg started tossing in the outfield at 6:44 p.m., and there were dozens -- instead of hundreds -- peering over the railing when he entered the bullpen to start his warmups. More filtered in as the game went along, but Nationals Park was never more than half-full despite the announced attendance of 29,092 -- well short of the expected sellout.The game started five minutes late, and Strasburg's first pitch was a 96 mph fastball that was fouled away by Dee Gordon. On a 2-1 pitch -- clocking 97 mph -- Gordon punched the ball to left-center and legged out a double. He was left stranded when Strasburg retired the next three batters.Strasburg started cruising in the second, striking out Andre Ethier with a 90 mph changeup and Aaron Miles with a 99 mph fastball. He worked fast -- just as he did as a rookie -- barely pausing between pitches and making everyone else look like slowpokes by comparison.Sensing Strasburg's night was nearly done, the crowd was on its feet with two outs in the fifth. Strasburg rewarded them by getting Justin Sellers to foul out to third baseman Ryan Zimmerman on a 97 mph fastball. Strasburg then headed toward the dugout, where he was greeted on the top step with a handshake from Johnson."He's someone that the Nationals should probably trade to us if they knew what was best for us," Dodgers starter Ted Lily said with a laugh. "Maybe things will work for him over here."

Dodgers win: Five time Stephen Strasburg win toss

Mr. Stephen Strasburg win five times toss in the year,but he cant win his last game.Stephen Strasburg's lost year appeared to evaporate from the moment he started his walk from the bullpen. The crowd again gave him a standing ovation, all the way to the dugout. Washington Nationals pitching coach Steve McCatty again joked he was the "Steve" the fans had come to see.

The radar gun again registered in the high 90s. The 90 mph changeup remained almost unhittable. The main man himself downplayed his accomplishments, as he always does, while his manager, teammates and opponents exhausted their supply of superlatives.

In his first major league start since undergoing Tommy John surgery, the 2011 edition of Strasburg was every bit as impressive as the 2010 version that wowed the baseball world. The 23-year-old right-hander allowed two hits over five shutout innings before the bullpen blew the lead in the Nationals' 7-3 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

"He was outstanding. He looked totally relaxed, totally in control," manager Davey Johnson said. "He had all his pitches working. He made it look easy. Real low pitch count. Looked strong at the end. ... It was just like he hadn't been out."

Last year's magical days of "Strasmus" came to an abrupt end when the 2009 No. 1 overall draft pick felt his elbow pop on Aug. 21 in Philadelphia, and his long road back began when he had the now-familiar, career-saving ligament replacement surgery last Sept. 3. He wound his way through six minor league rehab starts with four teams in four states over the last month, culminating with a return to the majors that was easily the most anticipated event of the season for a Nationals club trying to avoid a fourth consecutive last-place NL East finish.

His workload carefully monitored, Strasburg threw 56 pitches, 40 for strikes. The fastball peaked at 99 mph. He struck out four, didn't walk a batter, and a string of 11 retired in a row ended when Juan Rivera was generously given a hit for a ground ball that went under shortstop Ian Desmond's glove."The game seemed it was in slow motion out there," Strasburg said. "From what it felt like in the debut last year, I felt I'd kind of been through it before, so I was definitely a lot more relaxed out there, really focusing on just trying to execute pitches and get guys out."Strasburg emphasized again he is much stronger than before, having spent his year conditioning the rest of his body. He's expected to get three more starts this season, but he doesn't expect the full payoff to come until 2012."It's not like I was waiting 368 days for this time," he said. "I'm still on a mission here. I wanted to get stronger, mentally and physically, through this process. I had something that I wanted to work on every single day. I didn't waste a minute waiting for this time to come, because I knew it was going to come sooner or later."Strasburg was set to get the win when he departed with a 3-0 lead, but Dodgers tied it in the sixth. Then even the weather gave up on the game, at least temporarily, as the rain returned in the seventh to force a 31-minute delay and empty the ballpark of all but a hardy few.Those that remained saw Rod Barajas' two-run double in the eighth inning off Henry Rodriguez (3-3) put the Dodgers ahead for good, giving Kelly Jansen (2-1) the win.Strasburg even scored his first career run, part of a three-run second inning. He reached by laying down a sacrifice that turned into a two-base throwing error. Strasburg wound up at second on the play, went to third on Desmond's single and came home on Jayson Werth's groundout.Of course, there was no way Strasburg could match his major league debut, when he struck out 14 Pittsburgh Pirates on June 8, 2010. He finished 5-3 as a rookie, with a 2.91 ERA in 12 starts.Only a few thousand fans were in the stands when Strasburg started tossing in the outfield at 6:44 p.m., and there were dozens -- instead of hundreds -- peering over the railing when he entered the bullpen to start his warmups. More filtered in as the game went along, but Nationals Park was never more than half-full despite the announced attendance of 29,092 -- well short of the expected sellout.The game started five minutes late, and Strasburg's first pitch was a 96 mph fastball that was fouled away by Dee Gordon. On a 2-1 pitch -- clocking 97 mph -- Gordon punched the ball to left-center and legged out a double. He was left stranded when Strasburg retired the next three batters.Strasburg started cruising in the second, striking out Andre Ethier with a 90 mph changeup and Aaron Miles with a 99 mph fastball. He worked fast -- just as he did as a rookie -- barely pausing between pitches and making everyone else look like slowpokes by comparison.Sensing Strasburg's night was nearly done, the crowd was on its feet with two outs in the fifth. Strasburg rewarded them by getting Justin Sellers to foul out to third baseman Ryan Zimmerman on a 97 mph fastball. Strasburg then headed toward the dugout, where he was greeted on the top step with a handshake from Johnson."He's someone that the Nationals should probably trade to us if they knew what was best for us," Dodgers starter Ted Lily said with a laugh. "Maybe things will work for him over here."

Dodgers win: Five time Stephen Strasburg win toss

Mr. Stephen Strasburg win five times toss in the year,but he cant win his last game.Stephen Strasburg's lost year appeared to evaporate from the moment he started his walk from the bullpen. The crowd again gave him a standing ovation, all the way to the dugout. Washington Nationals pitching coach Steve McCatty again joked he was the "Steve" the fans had come to see.

The radar gun again registered in the high 90s. The 90 mph changeup remained almost unhittable. The main man himself downplayed his accomplishments, as he always does, while his manager, teammates and opponents exhausted their supply of superlatives.

In his first major league start since undergoing Tommy John surgery, the 2011 edition of Strasburg was every bit as impressive as the 2010 version that wowed the baseball world. The 23-year-old right-hander allowed two hits over five shutout innings before the bullpen blew the lead in the Nationals' 7-3 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

"He was outstanding. He looked totally relaxed, totally in control," manager Davey Johnson said. "He had all his pitches working. He made it look easy. Real low pitch count. Looked strong at the end. ... It was just like he hadn't been out."

Last year's magical days of "Strasmus" came to an abrupt end when the 2009 No. 1 overall draft pick felt his elbow pop on Aug. 21 in Philadelphia, and his long road back began when he had the now-familiar, career-saving ligament replacement surgery last Sept. 3. He wound his way through six minor league rehab starts with four teams in four states over the last month, culminating with a return to the majors that was easily the most anticipated event of the season for a Nationals club trying to avoid a fourth consecutive last-place NL East finish.

His workload carefully monitored, Strasburg threw 56 pitches, 40 for strikes. The fastball peaked at 99 mph. He struck out four, didn't walk a batter, and a string of 11 retired in a row ended when Juan Rivera was generously given a hit for a ground ball that went under shortstop Ian Desmond's glove."The game seemed it was in slow motion out there," Strasburg said. "From what it felt like in the debut last year, I felt I'd kind of been through it before, so I was definitely a lot more relaxed out there, really focusing on just trying to execute pitches and get guys out."Strasburg emphasized again he is much stronger than before, having spent his year conditioning the rest of his body. He's expected to get three more starts this season, but he doesn't expect the full payoff to come until 2012."It's not like I was waiting 368 days for this time," he said. "I'm still on a mission here. I wanted to get stronger, mentally and physically, through this process. I had something that I wanted to work on every single day. I didn't waste a minute waiting for this time to come, because I knew it was going to come sooner or later."Strasburg was set to get the win when he departed with a 3-0 lead, but Dodgers tied it in the sixth. Then even the weather gave up on the game, at least temporarily, as the rain returned in the seventh to force a 31-minute delay and empty the ballpark of all but a hardy few.Those that remained saw Rod Barajas' two-run double in the eighth inning off Henry Rodriguez (3-3) put the Dodgers ahead for good, giving Kelly Jansen (2-1) the win.Strasburg even scored his first career run, part of a three-run second inning. He reached by laying down a sacrifice that turned into a two-base throwing error. Strasburg wound up at second on the play, went to third on Desmond's single and came home on Jayson Werth's groundout.Of course, there was no way Strasburg could match his major league debut, when he struck out 14 Pittsburgh Pirates on June 8, 2010. He finished 5-3 as a rookie, with a 2.91 ERA in 12 starts.Only a few thousand fans were in the stands when Strasburg started tossing in the outfield at 6:44 p.m., and there were dozens -- instead of hundreds -- peering over the railing when he entered the bullpen to start his warmups. More filtered in as the game went along, but Nationals Park was never more than half-full despite the announced attendance of 29,092 -- well short of the expected sellout.The game started five minutes late, and Strasburg's first pitch was a 96 mph fastball that was fouled away by Dee Gordon. On a 2-1 pitch -- clocking 97 mph -- Gordon punched the ball to left-center and legged out a double. He was left stranded when Strasburg retired the next three batters.Strasburg started cruising in the second, striking out Andre Ethier with a 90 mph changeup and Aaron Miles with a 99 mph fastball. He worked fast -- just as he did as a rookie -- barely pausing between pitches and making everyone else look like slowpokes by comparison.Sensing Strasburg's night was nearly done, the crowd was on its feet with two outs in the fifth. Strasburg rewarded them by getting Justin Sellers to foul out to third baseman Ryan Zimmerman on a 97 mph fastball. Strasburg then headed toward the dugout, where he was greeted on the top step with a handshake from Johnson."He's someone that the Nationals should probably trade to us if they knew what was best for us," Dodgers starter Ted Lily said with a laugh. "Maybe things will work for him over here."

Argentina VS Nigeria

Its hot exited game  

Argentina VS Nigeria

Its hot exited game  

Argentina VS Nigeria

Its hot exited game