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Washington Nationals: Scherzer’s strikeouts and Wilmer’s walk-off

By Ross Shinberg

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 06: The Washington Nationals celebrate Wilmer Difo #1 game winning base hit in the ninth inning during a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park on May 6, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 06: The Washington Nationals celebrate Wilmer Difo #1 game winning base hit in the ninth inning during a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park on May 6, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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On a base hit from Wilmer Difo, the Washington Nationals walked off the Phillies.  It caps off a 7-3 home stand where the Nationals offense found its groove.

After squandering Max Scherzer’s historic 15 strikeout performance, the Washington Nationals found a way to win.  In an inning that involved an infield single, a hit-by-pitch, a throwing error on a pick-off move and two walks, the Nationals walked off Héctor Neris and the Phillies, 5-4.

However, the magic started with Scherzer, who recorded 15 strikeouts.  At one point, he recorded 12 consecutive outs via the strikeout.  Alas, his pitch count of 111 forced him out of the game, ending any additional bids with history.

After Scherzer exited the game, each bullpen member not named Sean Doolittle allowed an earned run.  This set up the old and tired “The Bullpen Stinks” narrative that has cursed this club for the previous few seasons.

Instead, we’re talking about a great team win, culminating in an unlikely hero stealing the show.

More from District on Deck

Wilmer Difo, The Surprise Bat

Not only did Wilmer Difo’s single in the bottom of the ninth win the game for the Nationals, but it also extended his hitting streak to nine games.

Difo has been an unlikely catalyst for this team, batting mostly out of the nine spot in the lineup.  His emergence has forced teams to pitch to Bryce Harper, now hitting in the leadoff spot.  If it weren’t for Difo, this team would not be 7-3 in their last ten games.

Coming into this game, Difo had been batting .287 with a .802 OPS.  His now 12 RBI’s put him tied for 4th on the team.  His defensive WAR rating is 2nd on the team.  Difo is doing just about everything for this team in the absence of Daniel Murphy.  That raises the question of how Davey Martinez will get Difo’s bat in the lineup once Murphy returns.  It’s a good problem to have, but a problem nonetheless.

Scherzer’s Dominance

No words written by any columnist, blogger, or reporter can adequately describe today’s outing from Scherzer.  6.1 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 15 K’s.

Scherzer’s season ERA sits at 1.74 after his outing and his FIP a tick higher at 1.75.  His K/9 is an otherworldly 13.94.  His dominance night in and night out might be underappreciated by Nats fans, if that’s even possible, despite him being one of the most popular players on the team.

After today, it might be safe to say Nats fans (and baseball fans) are watching a future hall-of-famer pitch every fifth day.  At the very least, it’s safe to say Nats fans are watching the best pitcher in baseball every fifth day.  No pitcher is on the same level as Scherzer.  And he’s doing this at age 33.  It’s simply remarkable.

Next: Difo Deserves Praise

What’s On Tap

The Nationals will now travel to the west coast for the last time this season.  A three-game series with the San Diego Padres starts on Monday at 10:10 EDT.  The first game will pit San Diego native Stephen Strasburg against Tyson Ross, brother of the Nats’ pitcher Joe Ross.

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