Giants completely handcuffed by Max Scherzer, Nationals

Giants pitcher Matt Cain takes a seat in the dugout between innings in Wednesday’s game. (Josie Lepe/Bay Area News Group)SAN FRANCISCO — Bryce Harper’s absence from the Washington Nationals lineup Wednesday proved to be a moot point as Ryan Zimmerman continued to torment the Giants pitching staff while Max Scherzer silenced their bats.

With Harper serving the first game of his suspension for Monday’s fight with Hunter Strickland, Zimmerman carried the Nationals offense, providing all the runs they needed to beat the Giants 3-1 at AT&T Park.

As Zimmerman took care of business at the plate, the 2016 National League Cy Young Award winner mowed through the Giants order, surrendering just one…