WASHINGTON -- Stephen Strasburg is struggling at a time when the Nationals are rolling.
Strasburg (3-5) was chased after giving up six runs and seven hits in 3 2/3 innings of Washington's 8-1 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday that snapped the Nationals' six-game winning streak.
Over his last three starts, Strasburg has allowed 15 runs in 12 innings.
"Yeah, it's frustrating. I'm not pitching to my ability, but I've got to keep grinding," Strasburg said after seeing his ERA climb to 6.50.
"It's definitely something I've never experienced before," he said of his recent struggles. "This is a test for me."
Strasburg struck out three and walked one. He trailed 2-0 with two outs in the second when Maikel Franco hit a two-run homer on an 0-2 pitch.
"He had a lot of hitters at two strikes and couldn't put them away," Washington manager Matt Williams said. "He's going through a rough stretch. That doesn't mean he can't come out of it and be absolutely dominant. He has the capability every time he walks on the mound."
The Phillies got to Strasburg for four runs in the third. A one-out double by Cesar Hernandez put runners on second and third. After Chase Utley's grounder scored Ben Revere, Howard lined a double down the right-field line, sending Hernandez home and bringing Franco to the plate.
Three Washington errors contributed to Strasburg's exit in the fourth when the Phillies added two runs.