Nationals' Max Scherzer: One rough inning leads to fourth loss.

Scherzer (5-4) allowed five runs on three hits Friday, walking four and striking out six over seven innings of a 6-2 loss to the Cardinals.

Analysis:

Scherzer was literally untouchable for six of the seven innings he pitched in this one. However, after retiring the first hitter in the third inning, he allowed a single, a walk, and a single to load the bases. Matt Holliday walked to drive in the first run, then Steve Piscotty drilled a grand slam to put Scherzer and the Nats in a 5-0 hole. It would be the only runs and only hits he would give up in the contest, but it would be enough. He can certainly be dominant, but his 4.05 ERA is a reminder that he can also be a bit inconsistent and prone to serving up long balls, even within a game. He'll face off against the Phillies on the road in his next outing.