Scherzer (7-3) has fanned 13, 11 and 14 in his last three starts, giving him double digits in strikeouts six times this year and 55 times in his career, one more than Kershaw for the most among active pitchers. McCarthy (5-3), coming off a start cut short at four innings because of a finger blister, lasted seven innings and matched Scherzer by allowing only three hits.
Nationals speedy leadoff hitter Trea Turner manufactured a first-inning run off McCarthy with a chopped infield single and two stolen bases before scoring on Bryce Harper's sacrifice fly.