Scherzer returns to form for Nationals

The Washington Nationals savored their latest victory a bit more than most, mainly because it was a complete performance quite literally from beginning to end.

Max Scherzer did his part as the starting pitcher, and newcomers Brandon Kintzler and Sean Doolittle finished up. Bryce Harper and pinch-hitter extraordinaire Adam Lind also played major roles in a 3-2 victory over the Miami Marlins on Monday night.

In his first appearance since an injury-abbreviated start six days earlier, Scherzer struck out nine and gave up two runs over seven innings. In his previous outing, the right-hander was pulled after one inning with neck spasms.

“It wasn’t bothering me today. It was just weak,” Scherzer said. “It’s not a big deal.”

Scherzer allowed only five hits, two of which really mattered: Giancarlo Stanton’s major leagueleading 37th home run and an RBI single by pitcher Odrisamer Despaigne, who stepped to the plate with a .036 lifetime batting average.

“He was pretty sharp and his endurance was good,” manager Dusty Baker said of Scherzer. “He gave us all he had.”

Harper homered in the fourth inning and Lind singled in the tiebreaking run in the eighth to help the Nationals expand their lead in the NL East over secondplace Miami to 14 games.

Wilmer Difo led off the eighth with a single off Jarlin Garcia (0-2). He reached second on a bunt and, with two outs, Lind delivered a single up the middle.

It was Lind’s 13th pinch hit of the season, and 10th RBI in that role.

“Lind came through with a big hit and then the bullpen came in and shut the door,” Scherzer said. “I love those starts.”

Brandon Kintzler (4-2) worked the eighth and Sean Doolittle got three outs to earn his sixth save. Both pitchers were acquired shortly before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.

Stanton matched his career best for homers, accomplished previously in 2012 and 2014.

“If he’s on the field and stays on the field, he’s going to hit 40 to 50 every year,” manager Don Mattingly said.

In a strange twist, Marlins starter Chris O’Grady was forced from the game with a right oblique strain after facing only five batters.

“Right now it’s just day to day. I don’t know what’s going on yet,” O’Grady said.