Rare Strasburg balk yields run for Mets

Bruce scores on a balk WASHINGTON -- Stephen Strasburg had not issued a balk since the 2013 season until the second inning Thursday afternoon, when he gifted the Mets their first run of the day. With runners at the corners and two outs, Strasburg made a move toward first base, but hesitated before he threw the ball. A balk was called to force home a run and tie the game at 1.

It was an unusual occurrence for Strasburg, who was called for three balks in 2013, but none since.

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Jay Bruce started the inning with a leadoff double before Strasburg retired the next two batters. He then walked catcher Kevin Plawecki on four pitches. That made the balk even odder considering…