His MLE equivalent FIP is 5.03. The dude is at best mediocre. He shouldn't be dominating a big league lineup. You can keep hiding behind K's, but when was the last time a 24 year old pitcher who was never considered a prospect before had an Almost 5 ERA and over 4 FIP in AAA, then was real good in the big leagues? It doesn't happen.
Well - maybe the Nats should just quit, then, since they're being dominated by such a terrible pitcher. Is that what you're trying to say?
They're getting some good swings in but the hits may just not fall tonight - rookie pitcher or not. That's just baseball.