WASHINGTON -- Matt Harvey was dynamic in his return from Tommy John surgery, outpitching Stephen Strasburg with six scoreless innings, regularly reaching 97 mph and striking out nine to lead the New York Mets past the Washington Nationals 6-3 Thursday.
One of the game's most electrifying young pitchers, the 26-year-old Harvey hadn't appeared in a regular-season game since Aug. 24, 2013, nearly 20 months ago; he had the ligament-replacement operation on his right elbow that October. For stretches against Washington, it was as if Harvey never left.
The righty powered fastballs by hitters -- he struck out Bryce Harper three times swinging at high heat -- and mixed in sharp breaking balls in the low 80s. Harvey (1-0) gave up four hits and one walk, throwing 63 of 91 pitches for strikes.
A commanding performance, indeed. Commanding presence, too: In the dugout, the knobs of Harvey's bats were labeled with his nickname in all caps: "DARK KNIGHT" (see full recap).
Tigers set AL shutout record in win
DETROIT -- Shane Greene and the Detroit Tigers set the modern AL record for the longest shutout streak to start a season, extending their string to 24 innings while beating the Minnesota Twins 7-1 on a rainy Thursday.
After the start was delayed by rain for over 3 1/2 hours, new Twins manager Paul Molitor's team dropped to 0-3. And when Minnesota scored its lone run in the seventh, it was unearned.
Detroit broke the AL mark of 22 innings set by the 1947 Chicago White Sox, STATS said. The longest such streak in the majors since 1912 is 32 innings by the 1963 St. Louis Cardinals.
MLB
Greene (1-0) gave up four hits in eight innings and struck out five.
Kyle Gibson (0-1) allowed six runs on eight hits and five walks in 3 2/3 innings (see full recap).
Giants beat Padres in 12 innings
SAN DIEGO -- Pinch-hitter Justin Maxwell delivered an RBI single with two outs in the 12th inning and the San Francisco Giants spoiled the new-look San Diego Padres' home opener with a 1-0 victory Thursday.
The Giants won despite being held to six hits by six pitchers.
The lone run came against Nick Vincent (0-1) consisted of an error, an intentional walk and Maxwell's single.
Brandon Crawford reached with one out when backpedaling shortstop Clint Barmes dropped his pop fly in shallow left. With two outs, Gregor Blanco was intentionally walked before Maxwell, batting for winner George Kontos, singled up the middle.
Kontos (1-0) allowed one hit and struck out two in 1 2-3 innings.
Santiago Casilla pitched the 12th for his third save in as many chances (see full recap).