MLB San Diego State Aztecs
Washington Nationals starter Stephen Strasburg pitches during a game between the Nationals and the Philadelphia Phillies, on September 26, 2019, at Nationals Park, in Washington D.C. Photo credit: Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire

San Diego State alum Stephen Strasburg of the Washington Nationals dominated the Los Angeles Dodgers to even the Division Series 1-1.

Strasburg logged the victory at Dodger Stadium Friday, pitching four perfect innings – meaning he gave up no hits and no walks. He struck out 10 through six innings.

He explained his calm under pressure following the game. 

“There’s obviously a lot of expectations, there’s a lot of excitement in games,” Strasburg told the Associated Press.

“But I really tried over the years,” he continued, “to train my mind into thinking that every single game is just as important and just sticking to my approach.”

The former Aztec played for the late Tony Gwynn in 2008-09 before being drafted by the Nationals. They remained so close that Gwynn attended Strasburg’s MLB debut and the star pitcher often speaks of their relationship.

As a member of SDSU baseball team, he received the national Pitcher of the Year award and the Mountain West Pitcher of the Year honor twice. He holds the San Diego State strikeout record with 375. He also was a member of the 2008 Olympic team.

The university honored Strasburg by naming him to the athletic Hall of Fame five years ago.

The National League Division Series resumes Sunday in Washington D.C.

– Staff reports