Soto scratched, Cards get to Scherzer in first (Nats fall 5-1)

The Nationals scratched left fielder Juan Soto from the lineup with back spasms about an hour prior to first pitch against the Cardinals. Michael A. Taylor took over center field, Adam Eaton played left field and Victor Robles was in right field.

The Cardinals did not waste any time getting on the board against Nationals ace Max Scherzer. After recording the first out, Scherzer allowed singles to Paul Goldschmidt and Paul DeJong.

Marcell Ozuna then dropped a double into right field after Robles was unable to come up with a diving catch. It appeared Robles had trouble reading the long fly and came toward the ball late. The hit scored Goldschmidt. José Martínez then singled past Carter Kieboom, who had to come in front of the runner off second base to try to make the play and was unable to get to the ball. DeJong and Ozuna scored. A 5-4-3 double play from Yadier Molina ended the rough first frame.

Scherzer rebounded to record eight consecutive outs.

Cardinals starter Miles Mikolas allowed a two-out Howie Kendrick single in the first inning, but the Nats have been unable to sustain a rally in the first three innings.

After three innings, the Cardinals lead the Nationals 3-0.

Update: The Nats scored one run in the fourth. After singles by Robles and Kendrick, Yan Gomes' fielder's choice grounder to third base scored Robles. Carter Kieboom walked and Wilmer Difo reached on a single to second base that was mishandled by Kolten Wong. With the bases loaded, Taylor hit a line drive to deep center field that was caught by Harrison Bader to end the inning.

After four innings, the Cards lead the Nats 3-1.

Update II: Impressive comeback inning by Scherzer in the seventh. After Harrison Bader and Matt Carpenter singled, Scherzer reared back and struck out Goldschmidt with a swinging strike on a 97 mph fastball. He then induced a flyball out to deep second base by DeJong to end the inning.

That ended Scherzer's outing. He lasted seven innings, the final six of which were scoreless, scattering eight hits, allowing three runs with two walks and eight strikeouts. Scherzer threw 110 pitches, 73 for strikes.

Mid-seventh, the Cards lead the Nats 3-1.

Update III: In the eighth, Joe Ross was unable to retire a batter. He walked Ozuna, Martinez doubled and Molina brought a run in with a single. Dan Jennings then induced a bunt popup from Wong and Bader's grounder to Carter Kieboom was bobbled for an error. The fielder's choice RBI allowed another run to score. Jennings stopped the rally with a pair of called third strikes.

Mid-eighth, the Cardinals lead the Nats 5-1.

Update IV: In the bottom of the ninth, facing reliever John Brebbia for the second inning, pinch-hitter Adrián Sanchez singled to right field with two outs. Eaton popped out to second to end the game.

Final score: Cards 5, Nats 1.

Scherzer is 1-4.