WASHINGTON (AP) — Max Scherzer struck out nine over eight innings for his first win with the Nationals and Bryce Harper hit a three-run homer as Washington beat the reeling Philadelphia Phillies 7-2 on Friday night.
Danny Espinosa also homered and Ryan Zimmerman added a two-run double to help the Nationals get their third straight win.
Scherzer (1-1) scattered four hits with one run in his third start. Signed to a seven-year, $210 million contract in January, the right-hander has allowed two earned runs in 21 2-3 innings.
The Phillies have lost six in a row including the first two of the four-game series after opening the season 3-1.