WASHINGTON -- Opposing teams just never seem to be hitting when Max Scherzer is on the mound. It might have a little to do with the electric stuff of the Nationals' ace.
Scherzer slammed the door on the Rays Tuesday night in a 4-2 win at Nationals Park, handing Tampa Bay (28-31) its fifth consecutive loss.
How dominant was Scherzer? Well, he retired the first seven batters he faced before Johnny Field doubled to left. Then in the sixth, he struck out Field, Christian Arroyo, and Daniel Robertson in order, using just nine pitches for an immaculate inning -- the second time in his career he's turned that trick.