MAX LEADS NATS

Max Scherzer put on quite a performance for his new manager. Scherzer struck out 10 in six innings and the Washington Nationals made Martinez’s dugout debut a success, opening with a 2-0 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Friday.

“The biggest thing for me is not becoming a fan,” Martinez said after cleaning up following a surprise clubhouse celebration.

“I have to manage the game. It was hard not to be a fan of Scherzer.”

Martinez had never managed in the majors. He was the Cubs’ bench coach before he was hired in the offseason to replace Dusty Baker.

Bryce Harper got two hits for the NL East champions, but his string of five straight opening days with a home run came to an end.