Strasburg denied record, still a shot at 20 wins

Stephen Strasburg lost his second straight start on Wednesday -- more than he'd lost all season -- and will fall short of Pedro Martinez's single-season win percentage record (21-2, .913).

The pressure must have gotten to the Hopatcong righty after streaking to an 18-1 mark.

Strasburg (19-3) was far from terrible, scattering 7 hits and 3 runs over 6 1/3 innings with 7 strikeouts and 3 walks in a 3-1 loss at Blue Ridge. Masario Tanaka (4-17) was better, going 7 1/3 innings, allowing just one run on 7 hits.

Strasburg now stands at 19-3 (.864), having lost his last two decisions. He had won 16 straight games, mixing in a few no-decisions.

There's some solace for Strasburg. He still has a chance to be the league's sole 20-game winner in his final start, scheduled for Sunday's second game. The 30-year-old San Diego native faces three scenarios: a win would get him to 20-3 (.870); a loss drops him to 19-4 (.760), and a no-decision will leave him at 19-3 (.864).