Nationals turn to Scherzer in relief with season on the line

The Washington Nationals are going to their big gun with the season on the line.

After Game 5 starter Gio Gonzalez lasted just three innings Thursday against the Chicago Cubs, throwing 39 of his 67 pitches for strikes - including two wild pitches - the Nationals turned to their ace Scherzer in the fifth inning, following a clean fourth from Matt Albers.

Prior to Thursday's contest, Nationals manager Dusty Baker said he would allow Scherzer to pitch at least two innings.

Scherzer, 33, was 16-6 with a 2.51 ERA and an NL-leading 268 strikeouts. He's a candidate for a second consecutive NL Cy Young, which would be the third of his 10-year career.