Scherzer lifts Nats past Fish

Max Scherzer pitched eight stellar innings to help the Nationals end a fivegame losing streak with a 50 win against the Marlins on Sunday in Miami.

The Nationals’ Bryce Harper left the game in the first inning for precautionary reasons after colliding with Marlins second baseman Derek Dietrich while running the bases. Harper’s replacement, Matt den Dekker, hit a solo home run, his third of the season.

Anthony Rendon, Jayson Werth, Ian Desmond, and Wilson Ramos also drove in runs for the Nationals, who won the final game of the series after losing the first two.

Scherzer (1211) allowed five hits and did not walk a batter to earn his first win since July 30 at Miami. He struck out six while throwing 74 of his 102 pitches for strikes. Scherzer lowered his ERA to 2.91.

Rangers 12, Athletics 4

In Arlington, Texas, Adrian Beltre homered twice to drive in five runs, ShinSoo Choo also went deep for the Rangers who remained 1 ¹/₂ games behind the Astros, who rallied with five runs in the ninth inning for a 53 win at the Angels.

Pirates 7, Brewers 6 (11)

In Pittsburgh, Josh Harrison hit a gamewinning single in the 11th inning, and the Pirates rallied from a fiverun deficit to beat the Brewers and remain 2½ games behind St. Louis in the NL Central race.

Phillies 7, Cubs 4

In Philadelphia, Ryan Howard homered and drove in three runs to help the Phillies. Chris Coghlan hit a homer and two triples for the Cubs, who lost two straight to the team with the worst record in the majors.