Max Scherzer retired the first 16 batters Friday before giving up a one-out sixth-inning double, and had to settle for a run-of-the-mill eight-inning, two-run effort in a 5-2 Washington Nationals win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday night.
Scherzer (9-5) had given up one hit in 18 innings in his last two starts, one-hitting Milwaukee on June 14 and no-hitting Pittsburg on June 20.
He gave up five hits in eight innings, striking out seven without issuing a walk.
Drew Storen gave up two hits in the ninth before closing things out to record his 22nd save.
Aaron Harang (4-10) took the loss for the Phils, whose manager, Ryne Sandberg, announced his resignation earlier in the day.
Matt den Dekker hit his first homer of the season for the Nats, a two-run shot off Harang in the sixth.
Washington (41-33) has now won seven straight games, and has a three and a half game lead over the New York Mets atop the National League East.
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Chris Graham
