The Morning Briefing: Max Scherzer reaches another milestone, and the Nats Get a Series Win

by Richard Wachtel

Updated April 22, 2021

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Friday, April 23, 2021, Washington Nationals at New York Mets 7:10 pm EDT
Saturday, April 24, 2021, Washington Nationals at New York Mets 4:05 pm EDT
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Today's Morning Briefing was written by Richard.

Today's Top Story: Max Scherzer reaches another milestone, and the Nats Get a Series Win

What started as a shaky start for the Washington Nationals ace Max Scherzer in the top of the first inning turned into his first win of the 2021 season and passing Mike Mussina on Major League Baseball's All-Time Career strikeout list. Scherzer is now 21st all-time in strikeouts with a total of 2,814. If there was any doubt that Max would be in the Baseball Hall of Fame, this achievement might put any of those doubts to rest. More on that later.

Besides this great achievement by the Washington Nationals ace, Scherzer also recorded his first win for the 2021 season. Scherzer went Max Scherzer: 6 IP, four hits, 0 runs, one walk, nine strikeouts, 1 HBP, 109 pitches (71 strikes)

In Max Scherzer's last three starts, he has an 0.47 ERA; one earned run over 19 innings. Scherzer has 24 strikeouts, four walks, .138 opponents' batting average, and has 17.0 consecutive scoreless innings, not bad at all.

The Nationals were able to scratch together a run which is all they needed to win yesterday's game 0-1. The new guys on the team, catcher Alex Avila and Josh Bell were able to make the run possible in the bottom of the second inning.

Catcher Alex Avila doubled in the bottom of the second inning on a sharp line drive to left fielder Justin Williams, and a poor throw by the outfielder let Josh Bell score, and that was all the scoring during the game. Closer Brad Hand recorded his second save of the 2021 season with the Nationals.

We will have our series preview as the Nationals will be traveling up to NY for a weekend series against the first-place New York Mets at Citi Field.

In other news....

Juan Soto Discusses his Injury.

Yesterday, outfielder Juan Soto had a Zoom press conference with reporters before the game to discuss the apparent injury that would sideline him for ten days. All reports say that the 22- year old who's left shoulder suffered a strain seemed okay with the situation he found himself in, but not ideal.

Manager Davey Martinez described how Soto handled being placed on the IL: "He wasn't happy...But yeah, he gets frustrated. The one thing that I know is that yesterday, after we put him on the IL, he was out there cheering for his teammates. And that's him. He loves the game. He loves being out there, he loves playing, but he also loves his teammates and wants to do everything he can to pull for them. So, that's one thing that's frustrating about our protocols is that he won't be able to travel. He'll have to sit at home and hopefully get ready as soon as possible so we can get him back."

Soto mentioned that there wasn't anyone particular play or swing on which he suffered the injury.

"I've just been playing baseball, doing my normal routine, and doing the same things. It just started bothering me a little bit and I just got right on it," Soto said.

Hopefully, we will see Soto back on the field and in the lineup soon.

Perspective: Are you Entertained Yet? Another Year, another Cold Start for the Washington Nationals

Did you think going into this season that it would be a cakewalk for the Nationals? We're only a month into the 2021 season, and it's interesting to see so many people on "Nationals Social Media" already using the hashtag #FireDavey. There is still A LOT of season left and plenty of games to be played.

Click here to read the full article.

Perspective: Timing is Everything & Situational hitting for the Washington Nationals

Brandon takes a closer look at the situational hitting for the Washington Nationals and how it affects the team's performance, and if it is too early in the season, to start to worry.

Click here to read the full article.

Podcast Alert: In the Clubhouse with the Nats Report.

The Washington Nationals have some great up-and-coming prospects in the minor leagues, and the future looks bright. Here are our interviews with the future players of the Washington Nationals. Catch up on these great episodes since the Nationals have the day off.