Scherzer and Kendrick ignite quick start (Nats win 2-0)

Nationals starter Max Scherzer set the tone early by striking out two in the first: Ozzie Albies swinging and Freddie Freeman looking.

Then the Nationals offense did likewise in their half of the first. Anthony Rendon doubled and Bryce Harper walked. With two outs, Howie Kendrick lined a double down the left field line to score two.

The Nationals have scored at least one run in the first inning in eight of their 10 games.

Update: Scherzer allowed a single to Kurt Suzuki in the second, but no runs through three frames.

Braves starter Julio Teheran has been able to keep the Nats off the board since the first inning.

After three innings, the Nats lead the Braves 2-0.

Update: Scherzer ramped up in the next two innings with four strikeouts. Nick Markakis managed to single to lead off the fifth, but was quickly forgotten thanks to three consecutive outs.

Pedro Severino had a double and Rendon a single in the fourth and fifth innings, respectively, but Teheran also was able to bear down and get the outs to move on.

The Nats have four hits and six men left on base. The Braves have two hits with one man left on base.

After five innings, the Nats lead the Braves 2-0.

Update: Teheran lasted six innings, allowed one run on five hits with four walks and seven strikeouts. He threw 96 pitches, 65 for strikes.

Update II: Scherzer got Ryan Flaherty on a grounder to second to begin the ninth. Pinch-hitter Charlie Culberson struck out. Ender Inciarte struck out to end the game.

Scherzer's line: nine innings, two hits, no runs, no walks and 10 strikeouts. Scherzer is 2-1. He threw 102 pitches, 72 for strikes. It was the 66th game of his career that he reached at least 10 strikeouts.

Final score: Nats 2, Braves 0. The win snaps their five-game losing streak.