Toronto Blue Jays Edge Washington Nationals 3-2 as Scherzer’s Return Spoils Nats’ Rally
The Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Washington Nationals 3-2 Monday night at Nationals Park, handing Washington a frustrating one-run loss despite a late push. The defeat snapped some of the momentum the Nationals had built recently and wasted another solid effort from their pitching staff.
One of the night’s biggest storylines was the return of former Nationals ace Max Scherzer, who made his first appearance back at Nationals Park since joining Toronto. Pitching on his 42nd birthday, Scherzer received a warm ovation from the Washington crowd before throwing 75 pitches over 2⅔ innings. He surrendered one run on four hits while striking out four before turning the game over to Toronto’s bullpen.
Toronto grabbed the early lead behind timely hitting. Ernie Clement drove in the game’s first run with an RBI double before Myles Straw added an RBI single later in the contest. Luis Urías also provided a key insurance run with a solo home run, giving the Blue Jays just enough offense to hold off Washington.
The Nationals refused to go quietly. Andrés Chaparro energized the home crowd with a pinch-hit solo home run in the fifth inning, trimming the deficit to one. Washington threatened again late, but Toronto’s bullpen made the big pitches when it mattered most to preserve the victory.
Washington’s pitching kept the club within striking distance throughout the evening. The Nationals used an opener before turning to their bullpen, limiting Toronto to three runs despite several scoring opportunities. Unfortunately for Washington, the offense could not string together enough timely hits to overcome the deficit.
Toronto’s relief corps proved to be the difference. Mason Fluharty earned the victory after providing scoreless relief, while Louis Varland locked down his 22nd save of the season by escaping the ninth inning and sealing the 3-2 win.
MSB Take
This was a game the Nationals easily could have stolen. Washington received quality pitching, got a big swing from Chaparro off the bench, and had chances late, but a lack of timely offense proved costly. With the trade deadline approaching and every game carrying added importance in the National League Wild Card race, one-run losses like this become even more frustrating.
The series continues with the Nationals looking to bounce back and avoid falling behind against a veteran Blue Jays club that capitalized on its opportunities while making the routine plays defensively.
