Stephen Strasburg reached 1,500 strikeouts in fewer innings than any pitcher in Major league history, and the Washington Nationals beat the St. Louis Cardinals 2-1 after a long rain delay Thursday to salvage the finale of a four-game series.
Cardinals: RHP Jack Flaherty (3-1, 4.06 ERA) pitches when the Cardinals open a three-game series Friday at the Chicago Cubs. Flaherty has not allowed a run in 12 innings this season during day games.
Brandon Lowe followed a solid first month with a hot start to May.
The Tampa Bay rookie hit a two-run homer off Wily Peralta with two outs in the ninth inning, and the Tampa Bay Rays rallied to beat the Kansas City Royals 3-1 Thursday for a four-game split.
Royals starter Danny Duffy allowed six hits in six innings, while Charlie Morton gave up five hits in 6 2/3 innings with nine strikeouts.
Royals: RHP Jorge López (0-2) starts Friday’s series opener at Detroit.