Nats contemplate how to get out of second big offensive funk of season

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Nationals scoreless streak reached 18 innings after 11-0 and 1-0 shutouts against the Rays at Tropicana Field.

The offense has struggled in June, having been shut out seven times in 22 games. It was the second time this month the Nats had been whitewashed in back-to-back games. It happened on June 10 against the Giants (2-0) and June 12 against the Yankees (3-0).

The Nats found themselves in a similar rut earlier in the season, and now must find a way to get out of it again.

"We're in a little funk right now," said manager Davey Martinez. "But this day off couldn't come soon enough. We've had a rough go with our schedule the last few days. A little break will do the boys right. Let's take that day off, enjoy it, come back and go to Philly."

To generate offense again, the Nats need hits. For the first time in franchise history, the club was shut out in consecutive games on three or fewer hits. The last time that happened to the Expos was 1974.

This club was built on it's outstanding starting pitching. It's best pitcher Max Scherzer, allowed a run in the first inning, but then nothing else in keeping his team in the game through seven frames.

His most impressive moment came in the seventh when, after allowing a pair of singles to begin the frame, he struck out Adeiny Hechavarria and got Kevin Kiermaier to pop up weakly in foul ground by third base. Kiermaier had singled and walked against Scherzer earlier in the game.

So how would Scherzer get the club out of this most recent offensive funk?

"We just got to do it. We are big leaguers," Scherzer said. "I think everybody's been punched in the face before of not having success. This is the big leagues, they are going to keep coming down your throat and keep attacking you. You just have to keep making adjustments.

"Keep grinding through this. Sometimes wins and losses, when you look at the scoreboard it can suck, but if you just trust the process, trust what you do, trust your instincts, trust the hard work you put in every single day, good things will happen. I'm confident in everybody here."

Michael A. Taylor, who had been on a hot streak at the plate when he arrived in St. Petersburg, went 0-for-8 with three strikeouts in the series, including the final swing-and-miss to end Tuesday's 1-0 game. He gave his assessment on the remedy when the team is struggling to put runs on the board.

"We're just gonna keep swinging the bat, keep going out there, putting together quality AB's," Taylor said. "It's going to happen. It's only a matter of time."

Changes to the lineup possible in the next week or two?

First baseman Ryan Zimmerman could be a week away from returning. First baseman Matt Adams and catcher Matt Wieters are also rehabbing. Zimmerman had hit .316 in his last 15 games before the oblique injury. Adams has an impressive 13 homers and 42 RBIs on his ledger before the broken finger. Wieters had hit .300 in his previous seven games prior to the hamstring problem.

Plus, Wieters has demonstrated a nice touch with left-hander Gio Gonzalez, who could use some guidance as he attempts to get back on track.

Martinez said the club will value the day off Wednesday to rejuvenate and focus for the Phillies. They just played three games in a matter of 38 hours. The win in those three was a dramatic 8-6 comeback Sunday night over Philadelphia. Now they make their first trip to Citizens Bank Park for four games starting Thursday trying to find a way to get their offense going again.