Scherzer dominating early, Adams homers again (Nats walk off 5-4)

Right-hander Max Scherzer is almost unstoppable right now. Scherzer struck out seven of the first 11 batters he faced in the first three innings Sunday against the Phillies. He gave up a double to Odúbel Herrera in the first and a single to Maikel Franco in the second, but each time he struck out the final batter of the inning to end the threat.

In the third he struck out the side. He has seven strikeouts in three innings.

Right-hander Jake Arrieta allowed a solo homer to Matt Adams to lead off the bottom of the second inning. The homer was Adams' eighth on the season, coming on a 3-1 pitch. Andrew Stevenson had a single later in the inning. But Phillies catcher Jorge Alfaro threw out Stevenson and Michael A. Taylor as they each tried to steal second base in the inning.

After three innings, the Nationals lead the Phillies 1-0.

Update: Scherzer putting on a clinic. He has 13 strikeouts through five innings and has struck out the side three innings in a row. He has 10 or more strikeouts for the 69th time in his career and fifth time this season. He has thrown 93 pitches, however, in five innings.

After five innings, the Nats lead the Phillies 1-0.

Update II: The Phillies put together a game-changing rally in the top of the seventh. Pedro Florimón singled and stole second. Alfaro struck out. Scherzer was pulled. Sammy Solís allowed an RBI single to pinch-hitter Nick WIlliams, then Brandon Kintzler arived and struck out César Hernández. But Rhys Hoskins followed with a run-scoring single and Odúbel Herrera added an RBI single.

Scherzer finished 6 1/3 innings, allowing one run on five hits with two walks (one intentional) and a season-high 15 strikeouts. He threw 111 pitches, 71 for strikes.

Mid-seventh, the Phillies lead the Nats 3-1.

Update III: Carlos Torres allowed a solo shot to Maikel Franco in the eighth.

Mid-eighth, the Phillies lead 4-1 over the Nats.

Update IV: Facing Tommy Hunter in the bottom of the eighth, Anthony Rendon hit a clutch two-out, two-run single to left field to score Moisés Sierra and Wilmer Difo. Trea Turner and Rendon moved up to second and third on a wild pitch, but Adams struck out to end the rally.

After eight innings, the Phillies lead 4-3 over the Nats.

Update V: In bottom of the ninth, Phillies closer Héctor Neris allows a single to deep second base by Matt Wieters. Rafael Bautista pinch ran. A Neris pickoff attempt sales past Carlos Santana and Bautista goes to third. Howie Kendrick hit by pitch. Michael A. Taylor walked. Pinch-hitter Pedro Severino walked to bring in the tying run. Difo singled to win the game, the first walk-off win of the season for the Nats.

Final score: The Nats 5, the Phillies 4.