Max Scherzer aims to regain dominant form (with lineups)

The Nationals send ace Max Scherzer to the mound tonight looking to end a three-game losing streak. Scherzer, who was arguably the National League's best pitcher through the first half of the season, has not been as dominant since the All-Star break.

Scherzer is 1-1 with a 3.90 in his last five starts. The 31-year-old is coming off six innings on Sunday where the Rockies tagged him for three homers in the Nats' 6-4 loss. It was the second time in his last four outings that Scherzer surrendered three home runs in a game.

Scherzer is 1-3 with a 5.12 ERA in four career regular season starts against the Giants.

The Giants counter with veteran right-hander Matt Cain, who has struggled through most of his seven starts this year. A flexor strain in Cain's throwing arm delayed his season debut until July 2. He's yielded four or more runs in five of his outings while compiling a 5.59 ERA.

It seems like the right matchup for a Nationals offense which has crossed the plate only once in the last 28 innings.

Manager Matt Williams has tinkered with the lineup tonight, sitting second baseman Anthony Rendon, left fielder Jayson Werth and catcher Wilson Ramos. Starting in their places will be second baseman Danny Espinosa, left fielder Clint Robinson and catcher Jose Lobaton.

For the Nationals:

CF Michael A. Taylor
3B Yunel Escobar
RF Bryce Harper
1B Ryan Zimmerman
LF Clint Robinson
SS Ian Desmond
2B Danny Espinosa
C Jose Lobaton
RHP Max Scherzer

For the Giants:

CF Gregor Blanco
3B Matt Duffy
1B Brandon Belt
C Buster Posey
RF Hunter Pence
SS Brandon Crawford
LF Justin Maxwell
2B Kelby Tomlinson
RHP Matt Cain