Rays scratch out early run against Scherzer (Nats lose 1-0)

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Surprisingly, the Rays connected with base hits in their first two at-bats against the Nationals ace right-hander Max Scherzer.

Kevin Keiermaier, who already has a grand slam in the series, went after Scherzer's first pitch and singled over Wilmer Difo's head into right field. Matt Duffy put together a 10-pitch at-bat and singled to put runners on the corners.

Jake Bauers grounded out to second base, but his fielder's choice scored Keiermaier.

Right-hander Nathan Eovaldi put the Nats down in order in the first two innings, piling up three strikeouts. The Nats have gone three-up, three-down in nine of the first 12 innings to start this two-game set. The have struck out 16 times.

Scherzer walked a runner in the second and third innings, but the Rays failed to score. The Nats do not have a hit through three innings for the second game of this series.

After three innings, the Rays lead the Nats 1-0.

Update: The Nats earned their first hit on a Bryce Harper opposite field double with two outs in the sixth. Anthony Rendon grounded out to end the inning.

Eovaldi has nine strikeouts. Scherzer has three strikeouts.

After six innings, the Rays lead the Nats 1-0.

Update II: Scherzer went seven innings, allowing one run on four hits with three walks and four strikeouts. He threw 104 pitches, 63 for strikes.

Update III: In the ninth, facing Jose Alvarado, Harper walked. Alvarado moved to first base. Against Chaz Roe, Rendon struck out. Alvarado moved back to pitching. Juan Soto blooped a single to center. Daniel Murphy blooped a single to left. With bases loaded against Sergio Romo, Trea Turner popped up to shallow right field. Michael A. Taylor struck out to end the game.

Murphy and Romo jawed at each other after the game. Benches cleared. No fisticuffs.

Final score: the Rays 1, the Nats 0.

The Nats were shutout for second time in the series and eighth time this season.