MLB GAME RECAP

Scherzer gem helps Nationals finally beat Orioles

The Sports Xchange

August 25, 2016 at 10:02 pm.

Aug 25, 2016; Washington, DC, USA;  Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) pitches during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Nationals Park. Photo Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Aug 25, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) pitches during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Nationals Park. Photo Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

WASHINGTON — Max Scherzer gave up just two hits, no walks and no runs in eight innings and Jayson Werth had two key hits, including a tiebreaking solo homer in the fourth, as the Washington Nationals beat the Baltimore Orioles 4-0, salvaging the finale of the two-city, four-game series.

Scherzer (14-7), who lowered his ERA to 2.92, did not allow a run for the fifth time this season. Closer Mark Melancon pitched the ninth in a non-save situation and retired the side while allowing one hit.

The hard-luck loser was Ubaldo Jimenz (5-11), who made the start after ace right-hander Chris Tillman went on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday. Jimenez gave up one run and five hits with four strikeouts and no walks in six innings before Logan Ondrusek took over in the seventh.

Washington’s Daniel Murphy had an RBI double in the eighth off Ondrusek to score Trea Turner (two hits), who led off with a single and went to second on a single by Werth. Bryce Harper, who also had two hits, then slashed a two-run double to left off reliever Mike Wright to give the Nationals a 4-0 lead.

Scherzer had 10 strikeouts Thursday and has 227 this year, the most in the National League. He got his 10th strikeout in the eighth when he fanned Matt Wieters for the second out.

The first-place Nationals (73-54) snapped a four-game losing skid and had dropped their last six games to the Orioles over the past two seasons, including four straight at Nationals Park.

Werth broke up the scoreless tie with a solo homer to center to lead off the fourth on the first pitch from Jimenez. It was the 17th homer of the year for Werth, who reached base for the 51st game out of the past 52.

Jimenez entered the game with a 6.94 ERA this year but was 4-0 with a 0.92 ERA in his four previous outings at Nationals Park.

Scherzer retired the first nine batters and had six strikeouts in the first three innings. Baltimore’s Adam Jones led off the fourth by lacing a line-drive double to left for the first hit off Scherzer, who tossed two no-hitters last season.

Harper stole his 18th base in the fourth to match a career high set in 2012, his rookie year. Harper was stranded as Ryan Zimmerman lined out to second to end the inning.

NOTES: Washington acquired LHP Marc Rzepczynski along with cash in a deal that sent minor league 2B Max Schrock to the Oakland A’s. Rzepczynski was 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA in 56 relief appearances for Oakland. The Nationals cleared a spot for Rzepczynski on the active roster by optioning RHP Reynaldo Lopez to Triple-A Syracuse. Lopez started Tuesday in Baltimore and was tagged with the loss. … The Orioles called up RHP Logan Ondrusek from Double-A Bowie and sent RHP Parker Bridwell to Triple-A Norfolk. … Orioles RHP Yovani Gallardo (4-5, 5.08 ERA) will face Yankees RHP Luis Cessa (3-0, 4.01) on Friday in New York. … Nationals LHP Gio Gonzalez (8-9, 4.30 ERA) will oppose Rockies RHP Jeff Hoffman (0-1, 13.50) in Washington on Friday. Gonzalez will be looking for his 100th career win, while Hoffman will seek his first in his second career start.

ALL  |  NFL  |  College Football  |  MLB  |  NBA