District On Deck
FanSided

Washington Nationals Reaction: Offense, Bullpen Help Out Max Scherzer In 6-4 Win

By Ricky Keeler

Apr 11, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) pitches during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) pitches during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 4
Next
Apr 11, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) pitches during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) pitches during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

The Washington Nationals didn’t get the best outing from Max Scherzer last night, but they found a way to beat the Braves 6-4

While it has only been five games, the Washington Nationals are off to a good start under new manager Dusty Baker with a 4-1 record. Even on an off night from their ace, Max Scherzer, they were still able to use their bats and aggressive baserunning to win the game, 6-4.

Like the previous two home games, the Nationals were able to respond to the opposition scoring runs in the top of the first with one of their own. After Scherzer gave up two runs in the first, the Nats rallied with three in the bottom of the inning, culminated by another Daniel Murphy home run.

More from District on Deck

As for the Nats’ ace, he went six innings, gave up four runs on six hits, struck out six, and walked three on 100 pitches (65 strikes). On a night where he even walked the opposing pitcher, Scherzer was still able to grind out six innings and put himself in position to pick up his first win of the season after a no-decision on Opening Day.

More from Max Scherzer

Plus, give credit to the Nats bullpen. Matt Belisle, Felipe Rivero, Blake Treinen, and Jonathan Papelbon were able to hold the Braves to just two hits over the final three innings of the game. Papelbon was able to come in for the ninth inning and pick up his fourth save in as many chances.

Before Gio Gonzalez makes his 2016 debut tonight, here are my three takeaways from last night’s 6-4 win over the Braves:

Next: Zimmerman's Baserunning Is Key

Home/Max Scherzer