Pittsburgh Pirates no-hit by Max Scherzer, fall 6-0

In what is quickly turning into a disturbing trend, the Pittsburgh Pirates were ineffective against a big-name pitcher. This time, it was Max Scherzer and the result was the pain of being no-hit by one of the best in the game.

The game itself was scoreless until the bottom of the fourth, when Bryce Harper connected on a solo home run, his 23rd. Harper was back in the lineup after missing one game due to a mild hamstring strain. The floodgates then opened in the bottom of the sixth, as Francisco Liriano could not complete the frame. An Anthony Rendon double brought in speedy Denard Span. Harper followed with a single for his second RBI of the game. Tyler Moore completed the damage by driving in two with a single, and that was it for Liriano.

The Nationals tacked on a run off of a Vance Worley wild pitch in the seventh.

And so it was that all eyes turned to Scherzer. Striking out 10 on the day, Scherzer looked in command from the very first pitch. Fast-forward to the bottom of the ninth. The Pittsburgh Pirates were playing for pride.Sending up Gregory Polanco and Jordy Mercer gave the Bucs a glimmer of hope to at least record a hit, but Scherzer set them down in quick order. Enter Jose Tabata. In a play that will sure to be debated, Tabata was hit by a pitch to break up the perfect game. Pirates fans rejoiced yet others raised an eyebrow. Did Tabata lean into the pitch?

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It was all moot, as Josh Harrison meekly flied out to end the game and complete the no-hitter.

What Stood Out

From a Pirates perspective, absolutely nothing stood out about this game. Every single Pirate looked helpless against Scherzer. From a Nationals perspective, everything stood out about this game. Scherzer was aided by a few great plays defensively, including another great play by Michael A. Taylor, who robbed Mercer of a sure double early in the game.

As the Pirates twitter feed said so eloquently. Sometimes all that can be done is to tip your cap to your opponent.

What’s Next

The Pittsburgh Pirates will attempt to ‘shower well’ and salvage a game against these Washington Nationals. Charlie Morton will take the bump and face LHP Gio Gonzalez. Gonzalez is struggling this year, posting a 4.82 ERA. Expect to see a right-handed heavy lineup against the southpaw.

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