Scherzer against Nola is as advertised (Nats fall 2-0)

The Aaron Nola versus Max Scherzer matchup has lived up to its billing in the first three innings.

The Nationals have two hits and the Phillies have yet to connect against Scherzer, but have drawn a pair of walks.

The best chance for the Nats early on came in the third inning. Spencer Kieboom led off with a double into the left field corner. Scherzer laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt to move Kieboom to third with less one out.

But Nola struck out Adam Eaton with a curveball and Trea Turner lined out to center fielder Odúbel Herrera.

Nick Williams walked with two outs in the first and César Hernández drew a free pass with two away in the third. Juan Soto then made an outstanding grab of a line drive off the bat of Rhys Hoskins to end the threat.

Scherzer and Nola each have five strikeouts through three innings.

After three innings, we're scoreless at Nationals Park.

Update: The Phillies finally got their first base hit off of Scherzer in the fifth. Following a walk and a lineout, Jorge Alfaro singled. A Nola sacrifice bunt moved the runners up. But Scherzer then got Hernández to fly out to right field to end the inning. Scherzer has eight strikeouts.

Nola has recorded eight outs in a row and now has seven strikeouts through six innings.

Through six innings, the Phillies and the Nats remain scoreless.

Update II: In the seventh, Maikel Franco walked with one away. Herrera crushed a two-run shot into the upper deck in right field.

Scherzer has struck out 10 batters. He has now struck out 10 or more batters in 14 games this season and 78 games in his career.

Mid-seventh, the Phillies lead the Nats 2-0.

Update III: With two men on and two outs, Harper struck out on a 95 mph fastball from Nola to end the eighth.

Scherzer went seven innings, allowing two runs on two hits with four waks and 10 strikeouts. He threw 109 pitches, 65 for strikes.

Update IV: Pat Neshek retired the Nats in order in the ninth.

Final score: Phillies 2, Nats 0.

The Nats are now 64-64.