The Washington Nationals have had a rough season. But Max Scherzer went a long way towards sending them out on a high note on Saturday.
For the second time this year, Scherzer was untouchable. Despite throwing just 109 pitches, Scherzer struck out a Nationals franchise record 17 Mets batters en route to his second no-hitter of the year. The former Cy Young winner also secured a winning record on the season, picking up his 14th victory.
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The lone New York baserunner Saturday night came on a throwing error by third baseman Yunel Escobar, though Scherzer didn’t issue a walk, and struck out nine straight batters prior to popping out Curtis Granderson for the final out of the ballgame.
After seeming like a shoe-in for the National League Cy Young award early in the season, Scherzer ran into trouble at times starting in June, seeing his candidacy for the award slip away as the likes of Jake Arrieta, Zack Greinke and Clayton Kershaw continued to thrive. He’s turned it on down the stretch, however, capping the season with perhaps the best outing of his career.
While there figures to be significant changes made in the Nationals organization this winter, Scherzer at the top of the rotation figures to be a cornerstone Washington will have in place for years to come. If his midseason struggles gave anyone reason for concern, he likely put those to rest Saturday night.
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