Max Scherzer returns to familiar territory (with lineups)

By Josh Land

Nationals

May 11, 2015, 2:39pm

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Right-hander Max Scherzer was originally selected 11th overall by the Diamondbacks in the 2007 First-Year Player Draft. He spent two seasons in Arizona, compiling a 9-15 record with a 3.86 ERA, before being traded to Detroit. Tonight, Scherzer gets the opportunity to face his old team for the second time in his career.

The Nats' ace is coming off back-to-back games with 10 strikeouts. Scherzer's 49 strikeouts in six game leaves him seven behind National League leader Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers, who has one more start.

The Diamondbacks will counter with right-hander Josh Collmenter. The 29-year old Collmenter is 2-0 with a 2.57 ERA in his career against the Nats. He allowed four runs in five innings in a no-decision last May. In that game, Nats shortstop Ian Desmond took Collmenter yard for a two-run shot.

Third baseman Yunel Escobar returns to the lineup after leaving yesterday's game with a stomach virus. Escobar is tied with right fielder Bryce Harper for the team lead with 33 hits, and his .311 batting average ranks second behind catcher Wilson Ramos.

The Nationals are winners of four straight series and 10 of their last 12 games as they begin this seven-game swing out west.

For the Nationals:
CF Denard Span
3B Yunel Escobar
LF Jayson Werth
RF Bryce Harper
1B Ryan Zimmerman
C Wilson Ramos
SS Ian Desmond
2B Danny Espinosa

RHP Max Scherzer

For the Diamondbacks:
RF Ender Inciarte
CF A.J. Pollock
1B Paul Goldschmidt
LF David Peralta
3B Yasmany Tomas
2B Aaron Hill
SS Chris Owings
C Tuffy Gosewisch

RHP Josh Collmenter