Washington Nationals: Andrew Stevenson’s bat sparks blowout

Washington Nationals outfielder Andrew Stevenson has a career day as the Nats destroy San Francisco, 15-2. An all-around team drubbing.

The Washington Nationals ended their road trip on a positive note by pounding the San Francisco Giants 15-2.

Trea Turner had a five-hit afternoon while Andrew Stevenson went four-for-five. Matt Adams torched a three-run shot in the fourth and drove in six. The Nats fly home with an 11-14 record hoping the New York Mets drop one in St. Louis to put the National League East margin back to five games.

You know it is an impressive show when Max Scherzer picking up his fifth win and 68th career double-digit strikeout game gets buried in the third paragraph.

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OFFENSE HAMMERS GIANT PITCHING

From the start, Washington teed off on San Francisco starter Jeff Samardzija.

He allowed six runs over 3.2 innings as the Nats worked him for eight hits, three walks and 86 pitches. Still recovering from an injury that limited him to one start this year, Samardzija did not finish his deliveries well and Washington made him pay.

The rest of the Giants pen fared none better. Four relievers combined for 10 runs on 10 hits and three walks.

Michael Taylor, before he left, is seeing the ball better. He worked two walks and a single in five plate appearances. Adrian Sanchez, getting the start at third, went two-for-six.

However, the MVP is Stevenson. His bat speed from last year has improved beyond any doubt. He has matured as a hitter and, on a day when the Giants were not fooling anybody, smashed two doubles. Although not as fast as Turner and Taylor, his speed scored a run as Stevenson can fly on the bases.

Washington had five extra-base hits and 19 plate appearances with runners in scoring position. Yep, 19. They scored 14 runs with two outs. No one cares they stranded 11.

SCHERZER ACES AGAIN

Although he would like run support scattered through his starts, Scherzer was his normal self on the mound. He went six, but there was no reason to stretch him beyond and his 99 pitches. In scattering five hits and two runs, he fanned 10 while tossing 74 strikes.

Mound stalking and grunting were on the program too.

This was not a vintage Scherzer game worthy of a permanent DVR save, but he did the job well. He never got into serious trouble although four of his five hits allowed were extra-base numbers. The ball carries during the day in San Francisco.

Next: Nats fans should keep hope alive

Arizona in town for three starting Friday night!