Scherzer making quick work of Cardinals so far (Nats fall 1-0)

NATIONALS QUICK WRAP

Score: Cardinals 1, Nationals 0

Recap: Nationals right-hander Max Scherzer was spectacular, allowing just four baserunners while striking out a whopping nine Cardinals in six innings. St. Louis threatened only in the fifth when catcher Yadier Molina singled and John Jay doubled. But Scherzer struck out Cardinals starter Michael Wacha to end threat.

Need to know: Nats second baseman Yunel Escobar grounded out three times and is now 1-for-5 in his two exhibition games. Tough day for Nats shortstop Ian Desmond at the plate, going 0-for 3 with two strikeouts. Right-hander Aaron Barrett took the loss, giving up the game's only run in the eighth.

On deck: Thursday, vs. New York Mets, 5:05 p.m (MASN)
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JUPITER, Fla. - In his second-to-last exhibition start before opening day, Nationals right-hander Max Scherzer has struck out four of the first batters he's faced, allowing two baserunners. Cardinals third baseman Matt Carpenter reached when Scherzer hit him on the right leg to lead off the bottom of the first.

Carpenter left the game and was replaced by Pete Kozma.

The Nats got singles in the second inning from Clint Robinson, Tyler Moore and Michael A. Taylor, but were unable to push a run across when Cardinals starter Michael Wacha struck out Scherzer to end the inning.

Update: Scherzer was dominant, finishing the day off with nine strikeouts in six innings. The Nats' opening day starter only allowed three hits with no walks and one hit batter. His spring ERA is 1.35 in 20 innings.

Second baseman Yunel Escobar was 0-for-3 with three groundouts in his second Grapefruit League game.

The Nats and Cards are scoreless in the eighth.

Update II: The Cards got to reliever Aaron Barrett for a run in the eighth, Ty Kelly's sac fly scoring the game's first run.