Trea Turner hit his 14th career leadoff homer, Yan Gomes had five hits and the Washington Nationals pounded the Arizona Diamondbacks 17-2 on Friday night.
Turner's ninth homer of the season on Riley Smith's second pitch was a no-doubter into the stands in left-center, and Washington was just getting started. Josh Bell and Gomes added two-run doubles, helping stake Max Scherzer to a 6-0 lead before he ever took the mound.
Click to Gallery
Trea Turner hit his 14th career leadoff homer, Yan Gomes had five hits and the Washington Nationals pounded the Arizona Diamondbacks 17-2 on Friday night.
That was more than enough for Scherzer (3-2), who breezed through the Diamondbacks' injury-depleted lineup. The veteran right-hander struck out seven in five scoreless innings, surrendering just two hits and walking one.
The Diamondbacks have lost nine of their last 11 games. They finished with six hits — two each by David Peralta and Andrew Young — and had a sloppy game in the field with three errors.
MAKING MOVES
Diamondbacks: Placed INF Asdrubal Cabrera on the 10-day IL with a strained right hamstring. Cabrera was hurt during Thursday's game against the Marlins while trying to steal second base. OF Nick Heath was called up from Triple-A Reno.
More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Arizona Diamondbacks' Kevin Ginkel delivers a pitch against the Washington Nationals during the sixth inning of a baseball game Friday, May 14, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP PhotoDarryl Webb)
Kyle Schwarber hit a solo homer in the second, and Victor Robles' RBI double made it 8-0 in the third.
Washington Nationals' Max Scherzer delivers a pitch against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning of a baseball game Friday, May 14, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP PhotoDarryl Webb)
That was more than enough for Scherzer (3-2), who breezed through the Diamondbacks' injury-depleted lineup. The veteran right-hander struck out seven in five scoreless innings, surrendering just two hits and walking one.
The 17 runs were a season high for the Nationals, who also had a season-high 22 hits. Seven players had at least two hits, including Gomes, who finished 5 of 6 and scored four times. Turner and Bell both had three RBIs. Andrew Stevenson hit a three-run homer in the ninth.
Smith (1-2) lasted just three innings for Arizona, yielding eight earned runs and eight hits, including seven that went for extra bases.
Arizona Diamondbacks' Riley Smith delivers a pitch against the Washington Nationals during the first inning of a baseball game Friday, May 14, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP PhotoDarryl Webb)
The Diamondbacks have lost nine of their last 11 games. They finished with six hits — two each by David Peralta and Andrew Young — and had a sloppy game in the field with three errors.
Washington's Wander Suero pitched a scoreless seventh inning in his first appearance since April 17.
Peralta — the D-backs' usual left fielder — pitched the ninth inning. He gave up Stevenson's homer and struck out one. Peralta was originally signed as a pitcher before transitioning to the outfield.
Washington Nationals' Juan Soto steps on home plate behind Arizona Diamondbacks' Stephen Vogt during the first inning of a baseball game Friday, May 14, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP PhotoDarryl Webb)
MAKING MOVES
The Nationals placed left-hander Patrick Corbin on the paternity list and recalled right-hander Paolo Espino.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Nationals: Robles was hit by a pitch on the back of his left leg and left the game in the fifth. He initially stayed in the game, but after running from first to third he was replaced by Stevenson.
Washington Nationals' Victor Robles grimaces after being hit on the calf by a pitch from Arizona Diamondbacks' Caleb Smith during the fifth inning of a baseball game Friday, May 14, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP PhotoDarryl Webb)
Diamondbacks: Placed INF Asdrubal Cabrera on the 10-day IL with a strained right hamstring. Cabrera was hurt during Thursday's game against the Marlins while trying to steal second base. OF Nick Heath was called up from Triple-A Reno.
UP NEXT
The Diamondbacks will send RHP Seth Frankoff to the mound for his first appearance of the season. He'll face Washington RHP Joe Ross (2-2, 4.26 ERA) on Saturday in the second game of the three-game series.
Washington Nationals' Max Scherzer gives himself up to Arizona Diamondbacks' Josh VanMeter after a bunt during the fifth inning of a baseball game Friday, May 14, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP PhotoDarryl Webb)
More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Arizona Diamondbacks' David Peralta honors military members with his cleats as he prepares to bat against the Washington Nationals during the fourth inning of a baseball game Friday, May 14, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP PhotoDarryl Webb)
Arizona Diamondbacks' Kevin Ginkel delivers a pitch against the Washington Nationals during the sixth inning of a baseball game Friday, May 14, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP PhotoDarryl Webb)