Washington Nationals: Max Scherzer snaps losing streak

The Washington Nationals five-game losing streak ends on a two-hitter from Max Scherzer. When they need him, he delivers again!

On a night when the Washington Nationals needed a boost, Max Scherzer delivered a huge one.

In tossing his ninth complete game of his career, Scherzer fanned 10 on 102 pitches while holding the Atlanta Braves to two hits. The five-game losing streak is snapped and Washington returns to 5-5 on the young season.

Goodness gracious, Scherzer stole a base! Better yet, he did not draw a throw.

More from District on Deck

With the bullpen tired from a long night Sunday, Scherzer mixed speeds, drew contact and struck out batters when he had too. The Braves never had a runner in scoring position. A remarkable achievement.

Forget about Cy Young awards a minute, these are the performances that earn you Most Valuable Player awards. On a night where the cold and rainy weather matched the mood of the 19,528 ticketed fans, Scherzer warmed the hearts of those watching as if it were a blazing-hot July afternoon.

What Scherzer does better than anybody is change the way he approaches the game on the fly. For a power pitcher, it is difficult to make an adjustment to get quick outs in the field. Yet, he knew the task at hand and created the perfect mix of strikeouts and contact.

A gamer like him always wants to go the distance but understands seven or eight innings is the realistic mark. Monday, he hit the 100-pitch count with two outs in the ninth. Holy shades of Greg Maddux!

Instead of burning the “Law Firm” again, Stephen Strasburg starts Tuesday with a fresh bullpen behind him. Over the course of 2:22, the focus of the season changed from dour back to positive.

Scherzer’s game score? 100. There are a handful of games in a season where any pitcher pulls that off. The “Immaxulate One” did it in the rain and cold.

ROBLES UPDATE

Top prospect Victor Robles took an awkward spill on a diving catch attempt for Syracuse against Rochester in the International League.

The video is difficult to watch as his wrist and harm slam against frozen ground while dragging on the brown grass. He left the field on his own and x-rays taken are negative for his elbow.

Next: DoDCast: Nats prep for Braves

Robles will fly to Washington in the morning for further examination. The best-case scenario is no structural damage. No bone break is an encouraging sign. How long he is out depends on what the doctors find in Washington.

Home/Nationals News