Return to health has Strasburg in peak form

WASHINGTON -- Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg pounded the strike zone in a 13-3 victory over the Marlins on Sunday afternoon at Nationals Park.

Strasburg won his 10th game of the season by pitching seven strong innings and allowing two runs (one earned). The earned run was scored on a homer by Marcell Ozuna. Strasburg also struck out 10 batters. It marked the first time in his career he had fanned at least 10 batters in three consecutive games.

"I'm trying to keep it simple," Strasburg said. "I'm trying to do what I'm capable of doing. I'm just going out there and executing pitches and giving everything I have."

Video: MIA@WSH: Williams on Strasburg, team improvement

For manager Matt Williams, the key to Strasburg's recent success has been his health. Strasburg has dealt with ankle, back, neck and oblique injuries that have limited him to 21 starts. Now that he is healthy, Strasburg can throw the ball the way he wants to.

"The key is fastball command. When he was dealing with the [health] issues, being uncomfortable out there, it wasn't as easy for him to throw the ball where he wanted to," Williams said. "But since he has been back and healthy, the curveball has been good, the changeup has been good. It all starts with the fastball. He has been able to control it on both sides of the plate."

Strasburg said he doesn't like to dwell on what happened during the early part of the season. He just takes things one pitch at a time.

"My arm feels strong at this point. I don't have the innings I would hope for," Strasburg said. "I try to focus on the now. I can't really worry about the past or the future. I try to focus on each pitch -- one at a time -- and execute each one to the best of my ability."