Strasburg struck out seven in six innings to win his third straight start, while Lincecum’s (6-13) latest shaky outing was over after just four innings.
Danny Espinosa hit a go-ahead two-run homerun in the third inning for the NL East-leading Nationals, who won their fourth straight series and now head home for key series against divisional opponents New York and Atlanta.
San Francisco lost their share of the NL West lead.
DODGERS 9, PIRATES 3
In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Clayton Kershaw won his fourth consecutive start as Los Angeles beat Pittsburgh and moved into sole first place in the NL West.
Kershaw (11-6) allowed three runs in eight innings with eight strikeouts and no walks. He also contributed at the plate, hitting two singles.
Matt Kemp had a two-run double and scored during the Dodgers’ three-run fourth against Wandy Rodriguez (7-12).
The Dodgers have won six of their past seven games, claiming sole possession of the division lead for the first time since before July 13.
The Pirates have lost six of seven and might have also lost second baseman Neil Walker, who left the game in the first inning with a dislocated finger on his right hand.
In other NL play, it was:
‧ Reds 6, Mets 1
‧ Cardinals 5, Diamondbacks 2
‧ Braves 6, Padres 1
‧ Marlins 9, Phillies 2
‧ Rockies 7, Brewers 6
‧ Cubs 7, Astros 2
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