Scherzer's 13 K's Dominates Cubs

When the Washington Nationals picked up Max Scherzer in the offseason, they knew they were getting someone special and a chance to win every fifth day.  That's exactly what they got last night as the Nats beat the Chicago Cubs 3-0 in Wrigley.

It was a pitchers duel to begin with as Scherzer took on Cubs ace Jon Lester.  The Nats got on the board early with a throwing error by Chicago in the fourth inning.  Ryan Zimmerman hit a ground ball to short for a potential double play, however, the throw from second baseman Addison Russell was in the dirt and went past first baseman Anthony Rizzo.  The Nats took full advantage of the miscue and Yunel Escobar scored.

In the top of the sixth, Bryce Harper homered for the second straight game.  It went opposite field for his National League-leading 18th of the season.  The Nats extended their lead to 3-0 and made that final with a home run by Danny Espinosa.

Scherzer looked brilliant, striking out 13, which is two shy of the most strikeouts of his career, and only gave up five hits over seven innings.  Lester struck out 10 over seven innings and took his first loss of the month.

The Nationals are back in action Friday night as they travel to Cincinatti to take on the Reds.  Stephen Strasburg will take the ball for the Nats against Anthony DeSclafani.