Schwarber’s walk-off HR lifts Nationals over Diamondbacks

» Kyle Schwarber hit a game-ending homer in the ninth inning, helping the Washington Nationals beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 1-0 on Friday night after Max Scherzer passed Cy Young on baseball’s career strikeouts list.

The lefty-batting Schwarber connected on a 2-1 pitch from left-hander Alex Young (0-3), sending a drive to right that traveled an estimated 463 feet for his first homer for Washington.

Brad Hand (1-0) worked a scoreless ninth for the win. The Nationals allowed just three hits.

Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, struck out the side in the seventh while passing Cy Young to move into 22nd place on baseball’s strikeout list. He finished with 10 on the day, giving him 2,808 for his career.

RAYS 8, YANKEES 2 » Brandon Lowe hit a two-run double in the first inning off opener Nick Nelson (02), and AL champion Tampa Bay kept up its domination of New York, setting off frustrated fans who caused a brief interruption.

The young, athletic Rays spurted to an 8-0, seventh-inning lead and beat the Yankees for the 16th time in their last 21 meetings, including during last year’s Division Series. New York walked seven Rays, had just three hits, struck out 14 times and made three errors that led to three unearned runs.

PHILLIES 8, CARDINALS 2 » Zach Eflin pitched into the eighth inning and J.T. Realmuto hit a two-run homer, leading Philadelphia to the victory.

Eflin (1-0) allowed six hits, struck out six and walked none in seven-plus innings. The lanky righthander retired 12 straight batters at one point and exited after surrendering a two-run homer to Justin Williams in the eighth.

BRAVES 5, CUBS 2 » Kyle Wright plunked four Chicago batters but still left with the lead after a lastminute call-up, and Will Smith stranded the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth inning for Atlanta.

Wright was recalled from the club’s alternate site to replace Drew Smyly, who was scratched and placed on the 10-day injured list with left forearm inflammation Friday morning. Wright hit four batters, including Javier Báez twice, but limited Chicago to two runs and three hits over 4 1/3 innings. He also doubled for his first career hit.

ORIOLES 5, RANGERS 2 » Rio Ruiz and D.J. Stewart homered while Jorge López struck out eight in five innings, leading Baltimore to another road win.

No. 9 hitter Freddy Galvis had two extra-base hits and scored twice for the Orioles, who improved to 5-2 on the road this season.

REDS 10, INDIANS 3 » Joey Votto hit a two-run homer to cap a seven-run third inning and Cincinnati cruised over Cleveland.

Jeff Hoffman (2-1) gave the Reds another solid start, surrendering just a run and seven hits through six innings.