WASHINGTON -- In the midst of a five-game losing streak and with a taxed bullpen after extra innings the previous night, the Nationals needed a strong outing from their starter. Enter the two-time defending National League Cy Young Award winner in Max Scherzer, who answered the call and then some with a shutout to lead the Nationals to a 2-0 victory over the Braves on Monday night.
Scherzer held Atlanta to two hits and struck out 10 to complete his fifth career shutout and ninth complete game, halting the Nats' losing skid at five. Scherzer even added his first career stolen base after a leadoff single in the seventh inning, swiping the base without a throw after he caught the Braves off guard.