WASHINGTON (AP) — Max Scherzer retired the first 16 batters he faced and threw seven innings of two-hit ball, striking out 11 in a pitching masterpiece that carried the Washington Nationals past the Chicago Cubs 4-1 Monday night.
Scherzer’s bid for his third career no-hitter ended with one out in the sixth when Addison Russell homered on a 3-2 pitch.
Facing the team with the best record in the majors, Scherzer became the 26th pitcher in baseball history to have 40 games with at least 10 strikeouts. He has won three straight starts.
Wilson Ramos hit a tiebreaking homer in the sixth inning for the NL East-leading Nationals.
Royals 2, Indians 1
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Whit Merrifield hit his first career homer, Edinson Volquez tossed seven scoreless innings of two-hit ball and Kansas City beat Cleveland to end a five-game skid against the Indians.
Alcides Escobar drove in a run for the Royals, who have won three in a row after an eight-game losing streak. They also won their seventh consecutive game at Kauffman Stadium.