Scherzer takes care of Phils in his possible Nats finale

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Max Scherzer delivered a signature performance in what might be his last start for the Nationals, allowing three hits in six innings as Washington beat the Philadelphia Phillies 3-1 in the opener of a doubleheader on Thursday.

Yan Gomes hit a tiebreaking two-run homer in the seventh inning for Washington, which is dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak that forced Wednesday night's game at Philadelphia to be postponed. Before the game, the sputtering Nationals traded closer Brad Hand to the Toronto Blue Jays, and there are plenty of contending teams who'd love to have Mad Max for the last two months of the season.

Scherzer (8-4) allowed a fourth-inning homer to J.T. Realmuto while striking out five and walking three on 88 pitches. Kyle Finnegan stepped into the closer's role and struck out two in the seventh for his first career save.

As Scherzer received handshakes in the Washington dugout in the top of the seventh, Gerardo Parra doubled past diving center fielder Odubel Herrera and Gomes — who was reinstated from the 10-day injured list before the game — drilled a sinker from Zack Wheeler into the trees beyond the center field fence for his ninth homer of the season.

Wheeler (8-6) went the distance in the seven-inning game, allowing seven hits, walking two and striking out five on 100 pitches.

Scherzer — a three-time Cy Young Award winner and a stalwart of Washington's 2019 World Series-winning squad — will become a free agent at the end of the season. The Nationals have fallen out of contention in the NL East thanks to a 6-16 record this month, making Scherzer by far the best starting pitcher on the market before the trade deadline on Friday.

Scherzer had made only one start since starting the All-Star Game and was scratched from his last outing with...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Scherzer-takes-care-of-Phils-in-his-possible-Nats-16349715.php