Nats' Strasburg allows 5 runs in 1 2/3 innings for Hagerstown

HAGERSTOWN — Stephen Strasburg was hit hard Wednesday night in his third rehabilitation start after Tommy John ligament-replacement surgery.

The Washington Nationals' right-hander allowed five runs and four hits over 1 2/3 innings for the Class-A Hagerstown Suns against the Lexington Legends.

Strasburg cruised through his first two rehab starts, but he gave up a walk, double, single and double Wednesday before retiring his first batter.

He also allowed a double and a walk in the second inning before being pulled as he approached his pitch-count limit of 50. He struck out three and walked two.

In his three starts, Strasburg has thrown 6 1/3 innings, allowing six runs and nine hits with 12 strikeouts and two walks.

He is expected to make three more starts before returning to the majors next month.