Written by Jamal Collier and Joe Frisaro at MLB.com
Washington’s offense plated double-digit runs for the 20th time this season — most in the Majors — powered by the return of Werth, who was playing in his first game since June 3. He went 2-for-4, launching a two-run homer in the fourth inning and singling during an 11-pitch at-bat in a six-run sixth.
“It was great to be back tonight, just to be a part of this club,” Werth said. “These guys have been playing so good, and I want to be part of the machine, so to speak. It is exciting, I was excited obviously a little more emotional than usual.”
Scherzer picked up where he left off before a neck injury halted his stellar season, limiting Miami to one run on five hits over seven innings while striking out 10 batters. He felt no discomfort in his neck and his lone mistake came in the fourth inning when Christian Yelich tagged him for a solo home run.
Giancarlo Stanton, anointed the NL Player of the Week Award winner on Monday, went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts and he hit into a double play.
“We all know how good he is,” Scherzer said. “Everybody knows he can take you deep at any moment. But you can’t really worry about that. You got to have the belief that you can make pitches and get him out. It’s a cat-and-mouse game at this point with him. He knows what I have and I know where I need to pitch it.”
The Marlins remained 4 1/2 games behind the Rockies, who lost to the Tigers, for the second National League Wild Card spot. Miami was riding a four-game win streak and had won 13 of 16. The club’s last four losses have all been by wide margins, with the Marlins being outscored, 36-7.
Right-hander Jose Urena, who came in 8-0 with a 4.05 ERA on the road, labored through four innings, giving up four runs on five hits. He struggled with command, walking three batters.
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