Nationals' Stephen Strasburg: Becomes first NL pitcher in over a century to start 12-0

Strasburg (12-0) allowed just one run on two hits and three walks over seven innings Friday while striking out nine in a 3-1 win over the Mets.

He's the first National League pitcher since the Giants Rube Marquard in 1912 to begin a season with 12 straight victories, although Strasburg will have a hard time matching Marquard's 18-0 mark before taking his first loss. Strasburg declined his invite to the All-Star Game, electing to rest over the break instead, but his 2.62 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 132:31 K:BB in 106.2 innings is more than worthy of the honor. The Nats have yet to announce how they'll set their rotation coming out of the break, but with Max Scherzer set to replace Strasburg in the All-Star Game, Strasburg is the most likely candidate to take the hill Friday at home against the Pirates to begin the unofficial second half.