Scherzer quick out of blocks, but fades (Braves win 8-2)

Right-hander Max Scherzer walked Ozzie Albies to start the game, but Matt Wieters was able to catch Albies stealing during the Dansby Swanson at-bat.

Swanson fouled out to Trea Turner. Freddie Freeman struck out on a 95 mph fastball from Scherzer to end the inning.

The Nationals got on the board thanks to a single from Turner in the first inning. He stole second base with one out, and then Anthony Rendon doubled off of Braves starter Luiz Gohara, scoring Turner, and the Nats led 1-0.

Scherzer has not allowed a run on two hits with three strikeouts.

After three innings, the Nats lead 1-0.

Update: In the fifth, Lane Adams tripled off of Howie Kendrick's glove in deep left field. With one out, Albies singled home Adams.

After five innings, the Nats and the Braves are tied 1-1.

Update II: The Braves took the lead in the sixth. After a one-out walk to Matt Kemp, Tyler Flowers doubled in the run. In the bottom of the sixth, the Nats answered. Turner singled and went to third on an error by Gohara. Wilmer Difo singled home Turner to tie the game.

After six innings, the game is tied 2-2.

Update III: Scherzer had extreme difficulty finding the strike zone in the seventh, walking the first three batters. Swanson then delivered a two-run single to make it 4-2 Braves. After an intentional walk to Freeman, Scherzer was lifted for Brandon Kintzler.

Kintzler then gave up a grand slam to Matt Kemp. The Braves led 8-2 heading into the bottom of the seventh.

Scherzer threw 116 pitches, 74 for strikes. He allowed seven runs on seven hits in six innings, with six walks (one intentional), and seven strikeouts -- the most runs Scherzer has allowed all season. He previously had given up five runs on two occasions: April 28 vs. the Mets and July 21 vs. Arizona.

Update IV: In the bottom of the ninth facing Lucas Sims, Rendon flew out to left field. Ryan Zimmerman struck out. Howie Kendrick grounded out to second base to end the game.

The Nats fall 8-2 to the Braves, the second night in a row they allowed eight runs.