Turner starts game with HR, Nationals roll past D-backs 17-2

PHOENIX (AP) — Trea Turner hit his 14th career leadoff homer, Yan Gomes had a career-high five hits and the Washington Nationals pounded the Arizona Diamondbacks 17-2 on Friday night.

Turner's ninth homer of the season on Riley Smith's second pitch was a no-doubter into the stands in left-center, and Washington was just getting started. Josh Bell and Gomes added two-run doubles, helping stake Max Scherzer to a 6-0 lead before he ever took the mound.

Kyle Schwarber hit a solo homer in the second, and Victor Robles' RBI double made it 8-0 in the third.

“It was just one of those days,” Gomes said of his five-hit night. “Seeing the ball well.”

The eight early runs were more than enough for Scherzer (3-2), who breezed through the Diamondbacks' injury-depleted lineup. The veteran right-hander struck out seven in five scoreless innings, surrendering just two hits and walking one.

Scherzer said he was dealing with a sore throat and it was nice to only have to throw 85 pitches and leave after five innings with a big lead.

“Just battled through it, found a way to get it done,” Scherzer said. “It’s 11-0 after five so just get out of there.”

The 17 runs were a season high for the Nationals, who also had a season-high 22 hits. Seven players had at least two hits, including Gomes, who finished 5 of 6 and scored a career-high four times. Turner and Bell both had three RBIs. Andrew Stevenson hit a three-run homer in the ninth.

Manager Dave Martinez was pleased with his team’s patience and approach at the plate.

“We accepted our walks and when the ball was in the strike zone we hit it hard,” Martinez said.

Smith (1-2) lasted just three innings for Arizona, yielding eight earned runs and eight hits, including seven that went for extra...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Turner-starts-game-with-HR-Nationals-roll-past-16179112.php