LEADING OFF: Scherzer unbeaten with Dodgers, faces Reds

By: The Associated Press Posted: 7:09 PM CDT Friday, Sep. 17, 2021

A look at what's happening around the majors on Saturday:

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A look at what's happening around the majors on Saturday:

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 17/09/2021 (1501 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A look at what’s happening around the majors on Saturday:

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MAX EFFORT

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola walks off the field after the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Max Scherzer has dominated since being traded to the Dodgers, and tries to extend his success streak when he pitches at Cincinnati in a matchup with playoff implications.

Scherzer is 6-0 with an 0.88 ERA in eight starts for Los Angeles, which got the three-time Cy Young Award winner and star infielder Trea Turner from Washington at the trade deadline in late July. In 51 innings for the Dodgers, Scherzer has allowed just 29 hits and struck out 72.

Overall, the 37-year-old Scherzer leads the majors with a 2.17 ERA and is a combined 14-4 for the Dodgers and Nationals.

The Dodgers have already clinched a playoff spot and are competing with the Giants for the NL West title. Sonny Gray (7-7, 3.80) starts for the Reds as they aim for a wild-card spot.

LIKE FINE WAIN

Longtime Cardinals ace Adam Wainwright has been as sharp as ever lately, winning five straight starts going into this outing against San Diego at Busch Stadium.

The 40-year-old Wainwright (16-7, 2.88) has won nine of his last 10 starts and a major reason why St. Louis is in the playoff race, competing with the Padres, Reds, Phillies and Mets for the second NL wild-card spot.

Wainwright was tagged for a season-high three homers by the Padres in a loss on May 15. Yu Darvish (8-10, 4.32) starts for San Diego.

LANCE GLANCE

Lance Lynn looks for his first win since July 25 when he starts for the AL Central-leading White Sox at Texas.

Lynn (10-4, 2.50 ERA) is 0-1 in his last seven starts. He spent time on the injured list during that span because of inflammation in his right knee. Last weekend, in his first start since being reinstated, he shut out Boston on two hits for five innings.

The 34-year-old Lynn is in his first season with Chicago and was an All-Star. He’ll see plenty of familiar faces on the Rangers after spending the previous two years with them.

STILL HERE

The Phillies and Mets are clinging to slim postseason hopes as they continue a series in New York. Both teams are chasing the Cardinals, Padres and Reds for the final NL wild card and trying to keep the NL East-leading Braves within sight, too.

Philadelphia right-hander Aaron Nola (7-8, 4.58 ERA) gets the ball trying to shake a recent rut. Since taking a perfect game into the seventh inning against San Diego on Aug. 21, Nola has a 6.41 ERA over four starts. He’ll oppose right-hander Carlos Carrasco (1-2, 5.59).

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