Boston’s Lucas Giolito beats Nationals in his return to Washington

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Lucas Giolito throws during the first inning of a baseball challenge against the Washington Nationals Friday July in Washington AP Photo Nick Wass AP Nick Wass Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Lucas Giolito throws during the first inning of a baseball encounter against the Washington Nationals Friday July in Washington AP Photo Nick Wass AP Nick Wass WASHINGTON AP Boston Red Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito made a memorable return to Washington on Friday and continued a monthlong surge in the process The right-hander threw innings in his first career outing against the association that drafted him allowing one run in Boston s - success over the Washington Nationals Giolito gave up four hits while striking out seven to earn his first win at Nationals Park an experience that was tinged with little sentimentality Not really Giolito noted It s so long ago Nine years ago I debuted here I was definitely excited to come back because it s been so long I m not facing any of the same guys It s a different gang now Giolito Washington s first-round pick in reached the majors in and posted a ERA in six appearances that season But he hadn t faced the Nationals since they dealt him to the Chicago White Sox the following December as part of a package of prospects for outfielder Adam Eaton who helped Washington win the World Series in I pitched very different back then very long arm action Giolito revealed I think every baseball competitor s career you have your ups and downs you have your trials and tribulations highs and lows however you want to put it It s been a long road I look forward to numerous more even the downs When you come back from those it s ostensibly more satisfying than being good all the time Giolito went on to pitch seven seasons with the White Sox with stops with the Los Angeles Angels and Cleveland late in the season before missing all of last year after elbow surgery A hamstring strain kept the -year-old out until April this season and he surrendered at least six runs in three of his first seven starts But in five outings since June he is - with an ERA In that span he has lowered his ERA from to He was sharp against the Nationals scattering four hits and three walks while throwing a season-high pitches in his longest outing since Aug He didn t want to come out manager Alex Cora noted I appreciate that He s a competitor He feels like the more pitches he throws the better it is for him AP MLB https apnews com hub mlb Source