Washington Nationals: Takeaways From 5-4 Win In Colorado

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Aug 15, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) delivers a pitch in the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. The Nationals defeated the Rockies 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Scherzer’s Shortest Outing Of The Season

If there was one disappointment from last night’s loss, it was the performance of Max Scherzer as he had one of his worst starts of the season. The right-hander only went four innings, gave up four runs on seven hits, struck out three, and walked two on 97 pitches (61 strikes). Plus, his struggles at Coors Field continued yesterday as he is 0-3 with a 5.88 ERA in five career starts.

Just like early in the season, the first inning was the problem for Scherzer as he gave up three early runs and he had trouble locating his pitches. After a one out single by LeMahieu, Carlos Gonzalez drew a seven-pitch walk and Nolan Arenado took four straight sliders from 0-2 down in the count.

With the bases loaded, rookie David Dahl hit a two-run double to center field to get the Rockies on the board. Then, Daniel Descalso’s sacrifice fly extended the lead to 3-0.

While Scherzer only gave up one run over the final three innings of his outing (Charlie Blackmon solo home run in the fourth), the high pitch count was just too much to leave him in for five innings in the altitude. In two of the four innings he pitched, he needed 30+ pitches, including 35 in the first inning.

All that being said, it was good to see the Washington Nationals offense step up for Scherzer and bail him out after not giving him much run support against the Indians. However, I wouldn’t expect a bad outing from Scherzer in the next series against the Braves.

Next: Harper Delivers Go-Ahead Clutch Hit

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