Scherzer allows early offense in series finale (Cards win 6-1)

The Cardinals again score in the first inning, but this time they got the rally started with two outs.

Max Scherzer struck out the first two batters he faced. Matt Carpenter then nursed a walk. After a wild pitch, Carpenter raced home on a Stephen Piscotty RBI double.

The Nationals had the exact opposite happen to them in their first at-bat of the game. Adam Eaton doubled and Anthony Rendon singled to put runners on the corners with no one out. It was Eaton's 100th career double.

But right-hander Mike Leake picked Rendon off the bag at first. Bryce Harper struck out and Daniel Murphy grounded back to the pitcher.

After one inning, the Cardinals led the Nationals 1-0.

Scherzer allowed a single to begin the second but then struck out the side.

The Nationals went in order against Leake in the second.

Two innings complete in D.C., the Cardinals still have a 1-0 lead.

Update: Scherzer had a rough fifth inning that wasn't helped by a Wilmer Difo fielding error to begin the frame, which allowed Eric Fryer to reach base. Dexter Fowler was then hit by a pitch and Greg Garcia walked to load the bases.

Carpenter's sac fly in foul territory was caught by Difo, allowing Fryer to score.

Stephen Piscotty singled to plate Fowler. The Cardinals lead the Nationals 3-0 at the game's midway point.

Update II: Leake retired 19 batters in a row, spanning from the first inning to Murphy's single in the seventh. The base hit came with two away in the inning. Murphy now has a nine-game hit streak. Ryan Zimmerman followed by pulling a single into left field. But Jayson Werth was called out on strikes to end the threat.

After seven innings, the Cardinals still lead 3-0 over the Nationals.

Update III: The Nationals' best extended rally attempt fell short in the eighth. Facing Trevor Rosenthal with one out, Difo and pinch-hitter Adam Lind singled. Eaton's RBI single got the Nationals finally on the board. But Rendon grounded into a fielder's choice out at second and Harper lined out to third to end the inning. Jedd Gyorko made an oustanding move to his right to nab the line drive that would have been extra bases for Harper.

After eight innings, the Cardinals lead the Nationals 3-1.

Update IV: Piscotty hit a three-run shot off Joe Blanton in the ninth. In the first nine games of the season, the Nats bullpen has allowed nine home runs. By contrast, the starters have allowed only one home run.

Update V: Zimmerman doubled in the ninth, but the Nats were unable to generate a big rally. The Nats have lost the last game of each series this season, but have won two series overall 2-1.

Final score: Cardinals 6, Nationals 1.