Nationals' Giolito impresses in rain-shortened debut

WASHINGTON - Lucas Giolito threw four scoreless innings in his rain-shortened major league debut, and the Washington Nationals beat the New York Mets 5-0 on Tuesday night.

Baseball's top pitching prospect allowed just one hit - a leadoff single - struck out one and walked two before a lengthy rain delay ended his outing. The 21-year-old Giolito threw 29 of his 45 pitches for strikes and was in command against the Mets like a seasoned veteran.

Giolito's much-anticipated debut had to wait a little longer after rain delayed the start of the game by 55 minutes. Giolito was handed the ball by Secretary of the Army Eric Fanning and was brilliant after allowing a leadoff single to Curtis Granderson.

The 6-foot-6 Giolito registered his first career strikeout when he got Asdrubal Cabrera swinging and benefited from some nifty defense to get out of the first inning. He cruised until the rain came, and the 85-minute delay made for an easy hook by manager Dusty Baker.

Giolito will have to wait for his first major league victory because he only went four innings. Oliver Perez (2-1) got the win in relief.