WASHINGTON -- Taking the mound for the first time since May 16, right-hander Erick Fedde delivered five scoreless innings in his return from the injured list to lead the Nationals to a 2-0 win over the Giants on Saturday afternoon in Game 1 of a split doubleheader at Nationals Park.

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¡°It was awesome,¡± Fedde said. ¡°That was a really frustrating month to miss out on, and just to be able to get out and compete again made me realize how much I missed it.¡±

Fedde was sidelined because of COVID-19 protocols after he threw an impressive, season-high seven scoreless frames against the D-backs. He worked his way back through a Minor League rehab start with High-A Wilmington and bullpen sessions.

¡°When they called me and told me, I was shocked,¡± Fedde said of the test result. ¡°Obviously I¡¯m not a scientist or anything, but I was vaccinated and I felt great. It was unfortunate, but I¡¯m more thankful that I didn¡¯t pass it around the team or anything.¡±

Fedde recorded seven strikeouts and allowed four hits over 82 pitches (51 strikes). He did not allow a walk for the first time in 19 starts, dating back to Aug. 12, 2019. Fedde mixed in his cutter (34%), sinker (34%), curveball (16%) and changeup (16%).

¡°It was a great performance by Fedde,¡± manager Dave Martinez said, adding, ¡°Two things that stick out: one, his confidence, and two, his ability to throw all four of his pitches when he wants to and throw strikes. That¡¯s huge.¡±

Kyle Schwarber gave Fedde instant offensive support with a leadoff home run against Giants starter Kevin Gausman, who entered the afternoon undefeated this season. It was the sixth leadoff homer of Schwarber¡¯s career, and it traveled a Statcast-estimated 426 feet at an exit velocity of 111 mph.

¡°It was awesome Schwarber could give us the lead early,¡± Fedde said. ¡°It allowed me to really pitch effectively and aggressively.¡±