Adams leads offensive charge at Fenway South (Nats lose 13-5)

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Max Scherzer wasn't the only veteran who made the long trip across Alligator Alley for today's game against the Red Sox. Matt Adams is here as well. And like Scherzer, he's making the most of it.

Batting cleanup and starting at first base, Adams launched a second-inning home run that cleared the stands down the right field line and departed jetBlue Park altogether. He added an RBI double down the right field line in the top of the third, helping the Nationals open up a 5-0 lead on Boston.

The Nats have been getting production from up and down their lineup, even though it only includes five likely major leaguers. Jake Noll, continuing an impressive start to his first big league camp, doubled off the Green Monster replica in left field and drew a walk, the ninth time the corner infielder has reached base in 10 plate appearances this spring.

Pedro Severino, serving as DH today, lofted a two-run double off the big wall to cap a three-run second. Juan Soto has reached base twice and sent a deep fly ball to the warning track in center. Kurt Suzuki executed a perfect hit-and-run with Soto, helping set the stage for a two-run third.

Scherzer, though, has been the star of the afternoon so far. Facing a Boston lineup including starters Andrew Benintendi, Mookie Betts, Jackie Bradley Jr. and Xander Bogaerts, he tossed three scoreless innings.

Scherzer allowed only one baserunner: Bradley, who singled on a 2-0 pitch in the bottom of the first. The ace struck out the side in the third, departing for the dugout with an extra hop in his step.

Scheduled to throw 50 pitches today, Scherzer at that point had thrown only 39. He had a conversation in the dugout with manager Davey Martinez and pitching coach Derek Lilliquist that ended with handshakes, signifying an end to his afternoon.

Erick Fedde replaced Scherzer in the bottom of the fourth and labored. The right-hander allowed four hits and a walk, ultimately allowing Boston's first two runs to cross the plate.

Update: Fedde ran into more trouble to start the home fifth, ultimately responsible for five more runs while not recording another out. Kyle McGowin came on to face Brock Holt, who homered on a 2-1 pitch to close the book on Fedde. Tate Matheny had an RBI single and Cole Sturgeon a two-RBI triple to take the score to 10-5.

Update II: The Red Sox scored three more runs in the sixth, roughing up Ronald Pena.

Final update: Austin Voth calmed the waters with two scoreless innings, but the punch that the Nats offense showed early on was long gone. Jenrry Mejia struck out Chuck Taylor, Tres Barrera and Brandon Snyder, in order, to end the game. Final score, Red Sox 13, Nationals 5.