Matt Cain settled down after a shaky start against the Nationals on Wednesday night, but the Giants’ bats couldn’t solve Max Scherzer in a 3-1 loss that ensured a series sweep.
The first batter of the game, Washington’s Trea Turner, reached base on an error by Gold Glove shortstop Brandon Crawford. One single and a Ryan Zimmerman home run later, Matt Cain and the Giants found themselves down 3-0 after the top of the 1st. That was all the Nationals would need.
Scherzer had no issues starting hot for the Nationals and retired the first 10 batters he faced. His first hit allowed was a single to Eduardo Nuñez in the bottom of the 4th.
When Buster Posey hit a sky-high pop up to center field that looked like it would end the 4th, outfielders Michael Taylor and Jayson Werth instead stood and stared at each other as the ball fell to the grass and Nuñez scored all the way from first base.
Cain’s day was ended after five innings pitched. He allowed eight hits and a walk while striking out three. Just two of his three runs allowed were earned.
Scherzer continued rolling throughout the rest of the game and threw all nine innings while using an even 100 pitches. He allowed just five hits and a run and struck out 11 in his complete game, the seventh of his career.
Three different Giants relievers combined to provide scoreless relief for Cain, including Hunter Strickland, who threw a scoreless 8th inning. Strickland was given a six-game suspension yesterday for hitting and fighting Bryce Harper, but the reliever is currently appealing the punishment.
Five different Giants had one hit, including Kelby Tomlinson who was called up ahead of Tuesday’s game to replace the concussed Michael Morse.
After winning the first series of the homestand against the Atlanta Braves, the Giants were swept by the Nationals and their record dropped to 22-33. They now hit the road for three games in Philadelphia and Milwaukee. The road trip begins Friday with first pitch against the Phillies set for 4:05 p.m. PST.
