Washington Nationals: Takeaways From 3-1 Loss To Indians

Scherzer Shines Even In A Loss

Last night, you had the sense that history was going to happen as the night went on for Scherzer. He had a perfect game for 4.2 innings until rookie Tyler Naquin drew a two out walk. Then, two innings later, Francisco Lindor had the first Indians hit of the night with a one out single in the seventh.

After that single, Scherzer made a throwing error that allowed Lindor to go to third. He would eventually score on a Jose Ramirez RBI double to right field. Despite the error and the loss last night, Scherzer had a great performance.

Scherzer went seven innings, gave up two runs (one earned) on three hits, struck out ten, and walked one on 108 pitches (70 strikes) in the loss. He has struck out ten or more batters in three of his last four starts and has 44 strikeouts in five starts since the All-Star Break. Plus, he had a great defensive play on a bunt by Ramirez to start the fifth.

During last night’s game, Scherzer continued to set more milestones as he became the fourth active pitcher to record 200+ strikeouts for five consecutive seasons (according to ESPN Stats and Info). As ESPN Stats and Info also pointed out, there seems to be a good chance some history will happen every time he takes the mound:

While Scherzer does have 12 wins this season, there have been a couple of instances where he hasn’t gotten the run support from his offense, such as the 1-0 loss to the Brewers on July 4 or the near loss to the Pirates on July 17, if not for a Daniel Murphy pinch-hit home run in the ninth.

Regardless of the lack of run support and his first loss to the Indians since 2012, Scherzer continues to show why he has been worth every penny the Washington Nationals paid him and why he should be in the Cy Young conversation in the National League.

Next: Werth's On-Base Streak Continues