Time hasn’t completely run out on the Nationals, but those triple zeroes are fast approaching. After missing an opportunity last night to gain ground on the Mets (who took a rare loss to Atlanta), the Nats remain 6 1/2 games back with 12 to play. They can afford to lose maybe one or two more the rest of the way. And even that might not be enough.
So facing essentially a must-win scenario tonight, Max Scherzer takes the mound against the Orioles, hoping to rediscover what he did at Camden Yards way back on the final day before the All-Star break (8 2/3 innings of 2-run ball).