Scherzer pitches Nationals to 5-1 win over Reds

Max Scherzer held Cincinnati to two hits in eight innings, pushing the Washington Nationals to a 5-1 win over the Reds in their 2015 home finale.

The Nats (80-76) played without closer Jonathan Papelbon, who will miss the rest of the season due to two suspensions, one from the National League for intentionally hitting Baltimore Orioles slugger Manny Machado with a pitch last week, the second from the team for choking Nationals star outfielder Bryce Harper in the dugout on Sunday.

Harper was also out of the lineup for his role in the fight, which was arguably little more than leaving his neck exposed during a verbal confrontation.

Scherzer (13-12, 2.91 ERA) gave up a run on two hits, striking out 10 and walking three.

He was also 2-for-3 at the plate, raising his batting average on the season to .212.

Wilson Ramos (15) and Matt den Dekker (5) homered for Washington.