WASHINGTON -- Max Scherzer retired the first 16 batters he faced and threw seven innings of two-hit ball, striking out 11 in a pitching masterpiece that carried the Washington Nationals past the Chicago Cubs 4-1 Monday night.
Scherzer's bid for his third career no-hitter ended with one out in the sixth when Addison Russell hit a 3-2 pitch into the left-field seats. The only other batter to reach against Scherzer (8-4) was Anthony Rizzo, who doubled in the seventh.
Facing the team with the best record in the majors, Scherzer became the 26th pitcher in baseball history to have 40 games with at least 10 strikeouts. He has won three straight starts, allowing only three runs over 22 innings.
Kyle Hendricks (4-6) gave up four runs and six hits in 5 1/3 innings.
Shawn Kelley got five outs for his first save (see full recap).
Merrifield, Volquez lift Royals over Indians
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Whit Merrifield hit his first career homer, Edinson Volquez tossed seven innings of two-hit ball and the Kansas City Royals beat Cleveland 2-1 on Monday night to end a five-game skid against the Indians.
Alcides Esocbar also drove in a run for the Royals, who have won three in a row after an eight-game losing streak. They also won their seventh consecutive game at Kauffman Stadium.
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Volquez (6-6) walked the bases loaded in the first inning before settling down, allowing only a double to Jason Kipnis and a single to Lonnie Chisenhall. Volquez also hit a batter with a pitch and worked around an error, but ultimately kept the Indians from pushing a run across (see full recap).
Red edge Braves on walk-off walk
ATLANTA -- Tyler Holt's bases-loaded walk off closer Arodys Vizcaino forced in the tie-breaking run in the ninth inning and the Cincinnati Reds beat the Atlanta Braves 9-8 on Monday night in a matchup of teams with the worst records in the National League.
Five Braves pitchers combined for eight walks, including three by Vizcaino (1-2) in the ninth.
Adam Duvall hit a two-run homer and drove in three runs for the Reds.
Ross Ohlendorf (5-5) allowed one run in the eighth on two hits and two walks.
Tony Cingrani pitched the ninth for his seventh save in 12 chances (see full recap).
