Craig Stammen threw four scoreless innings in relief of injured starter Stephen Strasburg to earn the win on Friday.

Strasburg lasted only two innings before being lifted due to a muscle issue in his back, forcing Stammen into action. All the reliever did was throw four perfect innings, striking out three. The win was his third of the year, and the Nationals' long reliever now has a 2.60 ERA.

Craig Stammen was knocked around the park by the Giants Monday, allowing two runs on seven hits over 2 2/3 innings.

Washington didn't have much of a chance after Zach Duke spotted the Giants an early lead, but Stammen's poor performance sealed their fate. Stammen stranded a handful of runners to limit the damage this game had on his ERA, which jumped from 2.25 to 2.78. As a long reliever, Stammen has fulfilled expectations, adding a 1.19 WHIP and 23/5 K/BB rate over 22 2/3 innings.

Nationals avoided arbitration with RHP Craig Stammen by agreeing to a two-year contract.

The financials of the deal aren't known. Stammen, who was arbitration-eligible for the first time as a Super 2 qualifier, held a 2.34 ERA while striking out a batter per inning for the Nats last season.