WOODBRIDGE, Va. — When a pitcher throws as well as Washington Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg did Friday night, it takes some pressure off his catcher.

“When you throw 98 or 99 (miles per hour), it’s easy to catch,” said Sandy Leon, catcher for the Class A Potomac Nationals. “He puts the ball where he wants it.”

Strasburg struck out five and walked none in three scoreless innings, giving up only two infield hits to the visiting Myrtle Beach Pelicans.