MIAMI — Max Scherzer scattered three hits over seven innings, Jonathan Papelbon got his first save for Washington with a perfect ninth inning and the Nationals beat the Miami Marlins 1-0 on Thursday.
Backed by Ryan Zimmerman's second-inning homer off Dan Haren, Scherzer (11-8) struck out six and lowered his ERA to 2.22.
Former closer Drew Storen pitched a perfect eighth, striking out two in his new setup role.
Papelbon, acquired Tuesday from Philadelphia, retired Ichiro Suzuki on a comebacker, got Christian Yelich to line out and struck out pinch-hitter Michael Morse for his 18th save in 18 chances this season.