Rendon at Nats Park to see Scherzer, Wacha face off in rubber match

It's just the rubber match of an early season three-game set between the Nationals and Cardinals, but it features a marquee pitching matchup between two of the game's most talented right-handers. Washington's Max Scherzer, 30, brings his sterling 0.83 ERA to the hill to face 23-year-old Michael Wacha of the Cards.

"We run out there today hoping that we've got our ace going and to take two of three from these guys would be a good series for us," said Nationals manager Matt Williams. "We've still gotta do it right because we know that they're gonna do it right."

The 6-foot-6 Wacha has won his first two starts of the season, allowing only two runs, both on solo homers, in 13 1/3 innings.

"He's tall and he throws directly over the top, so the fastball down angle is good," said Williams. "Changeup is his best pitch, whether it's (against a) righty or lefty. He'll throw a big curveball and a slider as well. It's difficult to see the ball, not to mention it comes in there in the mid-90s. Pretty good pitcher. We're gonna have to take care of opportunities today."

Scherzer's 25 strikeouts in 21 2/3 innings tie him for fourth behind a trio of pitchers that have pitched one more game.

"He's got the ability to throw any of his pitches for strikes," said Williams. "We've seen called strikeout pitches. We've seen swing-and-miss strikeouts. He's got the ability to reach back when he needs to. I'm sure if you asked him, he would love to be through five innings with 50 pitches and not necessarily strike guys out but just get guys out."

"It's the ability to pitch at 92 (mph) and reach back at 96 (mph) when he needs it. That difference between 92 and 96 is pretty good. The ability to change speeds with fastballs is important not just breaking balls."

Third baseman Anthony Rendon returned to Nationals Park today for a full workout and batting practice. It's the first time Williams has seen Rendon since leaving Viera, Fla., after spring training.

"He looks good, more importantly he feels good. So no issues," Williams said.

Rendon will head to Double-A Harrisburg to play five innings in his first minor league rehab game tomorrow night. He is scheduled to progress to seven innings on Saturday and Monday before eventually ramping up to nine innings by Tuesday.