Max Scherzer dominates Marlins in series opener

MIAMI—Broken nose and all, Max Scherzer was in Cy Young form Tuesday night at Marlins Park. He dominated the Miami Marlins, striking out 10 in eight sharp innings, as the Washington Nationals took the first of a three-game set, 6-1.

Washington was coming off two heartbreaking losses this past weekend versus the Atlanta Braves. They took out their frustration on righty Trevor Richards early.

Juan Soto, batting over .300 this season against the Marlins, smacked a two-run single to right with the bases loaded and one down in the third. Then with the Nationals ahead 3-0 and threatening in the fourth, Trea Turner—a Boynton Beach native—launched a three-run shot to deep center, extending Washington’s lead to 6-0.

Richards allowed six earned runs in a start for the first time in 2019, throwing 93 pitches in five innings of work.

Adam Conley pitched three scoreless frames in relief, coughing up just one hit and punching out seven. It was easily his best appearance in recent memory, a welcome change of pace for someone whose performance has been largely disappointing this season.

The Marlins’ lone run came in the home half of the fourth. Curtis Granderson delivered with a two-out single to right, scoring Brian Anderson.

Frustrations mounted for the Marlins in the home half of the eighth. Shortstop Miguel Rojas and manager Don Mattingly were tossed from the contest by home plate umpire Mike Estabrook after arguing balls and strikes.

Former Marlin closer Fernando Rodney finished what Scherzer started. The ageless righty tossed 11 pitches in a scoreless ninth.

In the clubhouse postgame, Rojas simply stated he needs to control his actions on the field, and wished he addressed the situation in a calmer manner.

Miami will hope to get back on the winning track Wednesday night. Rookie Zac Gallen will make his second career start, having thrown five innings and allowed one run in St. Louis this past Thursday night and escaping a couple of jams throughout. The Nationals’ Patrick Corbin, who tossed a complete-game shutout versus the Marlins in Washington on May 25, will take the ball for manager Davey Martinez. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m.

Nationals vs. Marlins box score (Baseball Theater)

Fish Picks answer key

1. Scherzer
2. Under
3. Under
4. No
5. Nationals