Max Scherzer faces Pirates for first time since no-hitter (Robinson scratched)

By Josh Land

Nationals

July 24, 2015, 11:28am

Comments

PITTSBURGH - Max Scherzer makes his first start against the Pirates since he tossed his first career no-hitter against them on June 20 at Nationals Park. Scherzer was one strike away from throwing the 24th perfect game in major league baseball history when his slider clipped Pittsburgh's Jose Tabata on the left elbow. Eight days later, the Pirates designated Tabata for assignment.

The Nationals have scored only four total runs in Scherzer's four starts in July, leading to a 1-3 record in the month for the ace, despite allowing two or fewer runs in three of starts.

Clint Robinson is batting .343 (12-for-35) with three doubles, two RBIs, five walks and seven runs scored over the Nats last 10 games.

Update: Robinson is a late scratch to tonight's game with an illness. Tyler Moore will switch to first base with Matt den Dekker starting in left field.

For the Nationals:

CF Michael A. Taylor
3B Danny Espinosa
RF Bryce Harper
C Wilson Ramos
SS Ian Desmond
1B Tyler Moore
2B Dan Uggla
LF Matt den Dekker
RHP Max Scherzer

For the Pirates:

RF Gregory Polanco
2B Neil Walker
CF Andrew McCutchen
LF Starling Marte
3B Jung Ho Kang
1B Pedro Alvarez
C Francisco Cervelli
SS Pedro Florimon
LHP Jeff Locke