The four game losing streak has now been replaced by a key win as the Nationals behind great pitching by Max Scherzer and solid defense along with a Jayson Werth home run and some late inning add-on runs turns into a combined 3-hit shutout win by the final score of 4-0.
Max Scherzer went 8 innings giving up only 2 hits and no walks to go with 10 strikeouts. The bullpen got rest except for Mark Melancon who closed the game out.
“This one was very important,” said Scherzer. “Our bullpen has been taxed. Those guys have been going out there and giving everything they got. They needed a night off. I knew I needed to pitch deep into the game.”
Mission accomplished by Max Scherzer, and besides resting most of the bullpen, the Nationals got to rest Wilson Ramos, and we hope Ramos gets off tomorrow night also.
“It’s an under-statement to say [Scherzer] saved the bullpen,” said Dusty Baker. “That was a masterful masterful job by Max. He had his command and a very low pitch count. That’s what aces do.”
The Nationals offense combined for 10 hits, and every Nats position player got at least one hit tonight except for Ryan Zimmerman. Jayson Werth, Trea Turner, and Bryce Harper each had 2 hits a piece. Harper got up to 70 RBIs tonight and Daniel Murphy raised his RBI total to 96.
Harper is now 2 steals away from a 20/20 season, and Trea Turner swiped his 15th bag tonight.
