The tradition continues — Max Scherzer will be the Nationals’ Opening Day starter for the sixth time in seven seasons.
“He’s ready,” manager Dave Martinez said following the Nats’ 6-2 loss to the Mets on Sunday. “He’s the guy that gets everything started for us. He competes. We know what we’re going to get from him. He loves Opening Day, so he’s the guy we’re going to follow Opening Day.”
Scherzer built up to 90 pitches against Jacob deGrom and the Mets, the same team and starter he will face on April 1 at Nationals Park. He pitched five innings, allowing four runs on six hits (including two home runs), with six strikeouts and one walk. He is scheduled to make his final start of Spring Training on Saturday in a “B” game against the Astros.