Strasburg continues chasing history, improves to 13-0

The Nationals right-hander improved to a perfect 13-0 with a 5-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

That 13-0 start moves Strasburg into rarefied air.

The only other pitcher in the last 30 years to open the season perfect through 13 decisions is Strasburg's team-mate, Max Scherzer, who started 13-0 while with the Detroit Tigers in 2013.

Rube Marquard holds the MLB record with a 19-0 start in 1912.

Strasburg unexpectedly found himself in a duel on Friday against the red-hot Pirates as Francisco Liriano, who entered the game with an ERA over 5.00, held the Nationals to one run through six innings.

But the Nats broke it open in the seventh with four runs.

Strasburg threw eight innings, striking out six while allowing one run on three hits and a couple of walks.