Early homers haunt Scherzer (Nats win 4-3)

The Brewers struck quickly against Nationals starter Max Scherzer in tonight's National League wild card game. After a leadoff walk to Trent Grisham, Yasmani Grandal hit a two-run shot that bounced off the top of the right field wall at the Nats bullpen. That was his first homer of the postseason after 28 homers in the regular season. The Brewers led 2-0.

Right-hander Brandon Woodruff used a 100 mph fastball to strikeout Adam Eaton swinging for the second out of the first.

The longballs continued for the Brewers in the second. Eric Thames crushed a low Scherzer curveball into the right-center field stands for a 3-0 lead.

In the second, Howie Kendrick's single to left field was the Nats' first hit of the game.

In the third, Scherzer struck out two for his first 1-2-3 inning.

In the bottom of the inning, Trea Turner drove a Woodruff pitch deep over the left-center field wall for his first homer of the postseason. The solo shot got the Nats on the board.

After three innings, the Brewers lead the Nats 3-1.

Update: Scherzer finished five innings, allowing three runs on four hits with three walks and six strikeouts. He threw 77 pitches, 46 for strikes.

The Nats got a hit by Victor Robles with two outs in the bottom of the fifth. Pinch-hitter Brian Dozier reached base thanks to a throwing error from third baseman Mike Moustakas. But Turner popped up to center field to end the inning.

After five innings, the Brewers lead the Nats 3-1.

Update II: Facing Josh Hader in the bottom of the eighth with the bases loaded and two outs, Juan Soto drilled a single to right field that got by Trent Grisham. Three runs scored. Grisham was charged with an error.

After eight innings, the Nats led the Brewers 4-3.

Update III: In the ninth, Daniel Hudson allowed a single but nothing else. The Nats win.

Final score: Nats 4, Brewers 3.