Max Scherzer aiming for series win in first shot at Braves

The Braves get their first look this season at Nationals ace Max Scherzer in tonight's series finale in Atlanta. Scherzer finished June with one of the more remarkable three-game pitching performances the game has seen. He took perfect games into the sixth inning in all three starts while achieving a no-hitter, two complete-game shutouts and three wins.

Scherzer surrendered just six hits in 26 innings over the three outings, striking out 33, walking one and hitting one batter.

"Dominance," Nationals manager Matt Williams said after Scherzer beat the Phillies 5-2 last Friday.

Eight of Scherzer's 15 starts on the season have come on the road, where the right-hander has held opponents to a combined nine runs. Teams are hitting just .185 against him away from Nationals Park and he's striking out an average of 12.2 batters per nine innings.

Scherzer hasn't faced Atlanta since 2010, which should make it even tougher on the Braves lineup tonight. However, two Braves have shown some success against Scherzer from their days in the American League.

Catcher A.J Pierzynski is 11-for-33 (.333) with a homer and seven RBIs versus Scherzer from his time with the White Sox, Rangers and Red Sox. Former Oriole Nick Markakis owns a .350 career batting average against the right-hander in 23 plate appearances.

Meanwhile, Scherzer brings a six-game hitting streak into tonight's rubber match. He's actually hit safely in seven of his last eight games with a .364 average (8-for-22) over that stretch.

"That always puts a smile on your face," Scherzer said after going 1-for-2 last Friday with a key run scored. "Anytime you can do something at the plate, that can always spring big innings from the pitchers spot."

His .257 season batting average is 77 points higher than the .180 mark opposing hitters have managed against him.

In his appearance on SiriusXM's MLB Network Radio yesterday, Williams provided further insight on Scherzer's desire to help his ballclub on the other four days when he's not on the mound.

"He's constantly in my ear about getting pinch-hit opportunities," Williams told SiriusXM's Jeff Joyce and Todd Hollandsworth. "I receive, on occasion, a sheet on my desk from him that lets me know what his career numbers offensively are against a certain guy. But, you know, it's fun. He's lighthearted, except for the day he pitches."