A two-out, two-strike, two-run homer by Manny Machado in the seventh gave Baltimore the lead for good in a 4-3 Orioles win over Washington at Nationals Park on Wednesday.
The loss for Washington (78-73) prevented the Nats from gaining ground on the New York Mets, who lost 6-3 to the Atlanta Braves Wednesday night, but maintain a six and a half game lead on Washington in the National League East, and reduced their magic number for clinching the division to five.
Baltimore (75-76) moves to four games back of the Los Angeles Angels for the second wild-card spot in the American League with the win.
Max Scherzer (12-12, 2.98 ERA) took the loss, giving up the homer to Machado in the seventh to surrender a 3-2 lead, as well as giving up a two-run homer in the first inning to Steve Pearce.
Scherzer was charged with four runs on seven hits in six and two-thirds innings, striking out 12 and walking two.
Chris Tillman (10-11) got the win, giving up three runs on six hits in six innings, striking out five and walking three.
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Chris Graham
