ATLANTA -- Through the first turn in the Nationals' rotation -- as their high-powered offense had excelled -- their top four starters followed suit with strong performances of their own. But right-hander Max Scherzer battled throughout his outing during Wednesday afternoon series finale against the Braves.
Scherzer threw 110 pitches (71 strikes) in five innings and gave up five runs (two earned) on six hits and a pair of walks. He struck out seven.
Scherzer nearly escaped the first inning unscathed after a two-out double from Freddie Freeman, but an error from Wilmer Difo at second base helped extend the inning.