Intro:

Washington's Taiwanese pitcher Chien-Ming Wang worked into the sixth inning against the New York Mets on Thursday afternoon, but took the loss as knuckleball pitcher R.A. Dickey outmatched the Nationals in a 3-1 win for the visitors in Wasshington DC.

Script:

Chien-Ming Wang took the mound on Thursday afternoon at Washington Park for his first start in front of a home crowd this season.

Wang had a late start to his season after injuring his groin playing defense in an exhibition game against the Yankees in March.

Thursday's 1p.m. start in the bright sunshine went well, as the 6-foot-3 pitcher hit 91 and 92 mph with his pitches consistently, and he held the New York Mets in check for the first four innings.

SOUNDBITE: (Mandarin) - Chien-Ming Wang, Washington pitcher:

"Obviously the result was not good for the team and not good for me so there's still a lot of things I need to improve on and hopefully I can get back to it."

SOUNDBITE: (Mandarin) - Chien-Ming Wang, Washington pitcher:

"I think I did a lot of rehab assignments in the minor leagues and right now I just need to pitch more in this setting. And once I get the feel back I think I can get it good."
Wang said he just needs more time at the major league level to get comfortable, and then he hopes to show the form that made him famous.