Nats Nightly: Scherzer figures it out, Ks MLB record-tying 20 in win over Tigers

Max Scherzer struck out 20 batters on Wednesday night in the nation's capital, tying the MLB record for Ks by one pitcher in a nine-inning game, in the Washington Nationals' 3-2 win over the Detroit Tigers before 35,695 on Bryce Harper bobblehead night at Nationals Park.

"Strikeouts are sexy," Scherzer said following the game and requisite Gatorade bath.

The Nats big right-hander accomplished the feat against his former team to make it that much more special, and did it in a close game against former Nats' starter Jordan Zimmermann.

Scherzer gave up two runs -- both solo home runs, bringing his season total to 11 -- on six hits with no walks to go along with the dominant 20 whiffs. He threw 119 pitches and an astonishing 96 strikes, as home plate umpire Bill Miller had a bit of a wide strike zone -- for both sides, really.

The offense came mostly from the usual suspects. Daniel Murphy went 3 for 4 with two RBIs, Harper and Anthony Rendon both added a pair of hits, and Danny Espinosa popped his third home run of the season.

All three Nats runs came off former Nats' starter Jordan Zimmermann (L, 5-2), who gave up seven hits and three walks over seven innings, striking out three.

As Nats radio play-by-play guy Charlie Slowes is fond of saying, "Remember where you are so you'll remember where you were."

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Next game: The Nats are off on Thursday and start a three-game series with the Miami Marlins on Friday at 7:05 p.m. Gio Gonzalez (2-1, 2.19) hosts Tom Koehler (2-3, 5.83).