Scherzer dominated a split-squad New York contingent, including a three-pitch strikeout of a 30-y.o. minor-leaguer that took 40 seconds of game time, and infinitely more for the dilettantes to dissect. He struck out five total and needed just 41 pitches (27 strikes) to retire the nine batters he faced for the “W.”
Erick Fedde took over for Scherzer in the 4th and worked around a pair of two-out singles. He set the side down in order in the 5th for two scoreless innings and the hold. Tim Collins, Roman Mendez, and Wander Suero each added perfect frame. Journeyman Chris Smith gave up a solo HR in the 9th to lose the shutout but “earn” the save.
Andrew Stevenson was the sole watchlist player to start the game, and went 1-for-2 with a double (and a was caught trying to steal third) while Robles took his spot in the lineup in the 7th and led off with a solo shot to give the Nats a 2-0 cushion. He also finished 1-for-2.
Here’s how the rest of Watchlist batters fared:
● Rafael Bautista subbed for Stevenson in LF and flied out to end the 7th.
● Taylor Gushue pinch-hit for Ryan Zimmerman but was 0-for-2 as the second DH.
● Osvaldo Abreu replaced Howie Kendrick at 2B and grounded out to end the 8th.
● Jose Marmolejos subbed for Chris Dominguez at 1B and went 0-for-2.
● Kelvin Gutierrez took over 3B from Matt Reynolds and flew out to LF in his only AB.
The Nats go for the winning streak with their co-tenants at the “No Free Advertising” Ballpark of the Palm Beaches as the visiting team. Steven Strasburg is expected to start along with Marmolejos (1B), Gutierrez (3B), Stevenson (LF), and Bautista (RF). Carter Kieboom is also expected to come off the bench as well as some guy named Robles.