Fresh off no-no, Scherzer NL Player of the Week
Ace earns second weekly distinction, first as member of the Nationals
WASHINGTON -- For one week, Nationals right-hander Max Scherzer was almost untouchable. In his last two starts, Scherzer allowed one hit and pitched 18 shutout innings. It was good enough to capture the National League Player of the Week Award for the week ending June 21.
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"It's just been awesome," Scherzer said at Ryan Zimmerman's charity event Monday night. " ... Celebrating with your team after wins, that's the best. It's just fun to be a part of this team."
As a member of the Tigers, Scherzer won the American League counterpart for the award for the week ending June 24, 2013 -- the year he won the AL Cy Young Award.
In his last start Saturday afternoon, Scherzer was at his best, throwing the second no-hitter in Nationals history in a 6-0 win over the Pirates. He was an out away from a perfect game before he hit Pirates outfielder Jose Tabata with a pitch.
It didn't seem to matter for Scherzer that he didn't have the perfect game.
"Cloud nine," Scherzer said on Saturday. "When you can celebrate with your teammates on just a major accomplishment, there's nothing better."
After signing a seven-year, $210 million contract, Scherzer is clearly the ace of the Nationals pitching staff. He leads the team in almost every pitching category and is on a personal five-game hitting streak.