Max Scherzer and Zack Greinke featured in rubber match showdown

Yesterday's improbable late-inning homer by Matt den Dekker, followed by a more expected yet scintillating performance from Clayton Kershaw, sets up a rubber match showdown this afternoon between Nationals ace Max Scherzer and Dodgers right-hander Zack Greinke, the National League's All-Star starter.

"We've got one of our best going (today) against one of their best and we got a chance to take the series," Nationals manager Matt Williams said.

Kershaw, the three-time NL Cy Young winner, devastated the Nationals lineup Saturday, allowing just three hits without a walk while striking out a season-high 14 in eight scoreless innings. The reigning NL MVP became the first pitcher in 100 years with 10-plus strikeouts, zero runs allowed and zero walks in back-to-back games, per ESPN. That will leave some lasting nightmares for Nationals hitters should they make it to October and end up drawing the Dodgers and Kershaw.

"When he's on like that, you better get lucky because he's pretty impressive," Bryce Harper said after whiffing in his three at-bats against Kerhshaw. "So we just gotta tip our cap to Clayton and hopefully go over and get Greinke (today) and see where we're at by the weekend."

It won't get any easier against Greinke this afternoon. The 31-year-old has held the opposition scoreless in his last five starts while striking out 31 and walking only three over 35 2/3 innings during the stretch. Opposing hitters are batting .191 against Greinke and his 1.39 ERA leads the majors.

Meanwhile, Doug Fister took the loss in the regularly scheduled game after yielding four runs on nine hits in just five innings. Because of the All-Star break and Williams' decision to get an extra start in for Scherzer, Fister had not taken the mound for 12 days.

"It doesn't help by any means, but I can't use that as an excuse at all," Fister said. "I stayed sharp throwing bullpens and playing catch, but it is what it is."

It unraveled for Fister in the fifth after he hit Joc Pederson with one out. The Dodgers followed with three runs on three hits in the frame.

"Location wasn't quite there," Fister said. "I wasn't as sharp as I should be. It's inexcusable."

Fister is only 1-3 with a 4.30 ERA in his last five starts since returning from the 15-day disabled list on June 18 after battling a strained flexor muscle in his right forearm. Over the last month, opponents are batting .314 against Fister with 37 hits in 29 1/3 innings.

"I think it's a matter of fighting it first and really kinda getting that groove," Fister said. "I've been fighting myself since coming back. But, I think getting back out there in five days will make a big difference."