WASHINGTON (AP) -- Max Scherzer pitched a no-hitter Saturday, losing his perfect game with two outs in the ninth inning when he hit a batter in the Washington Nationals' 6-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Scherzer was masterful in retiring the first 26 batters and was one strike from throwing the 22nd perfect game in major league history since 1900.
Pinch-hitter Jose Tabata fouled off three 2-2 pitches before Scherzer clipped him on the elbow with a breaking ball. Tabata dropped his elbow as the pitch approached, and Scherzer immediately grimaced after plunking him.