Nationals tab Scherzer for opening day start

VIERA, Fla. (AP) Washington Nationals manager Dusty Baker has strongly indicated that Max Scherzer will start on opening day April 4 in Atlanta. ''I assume

VIERA, Fla. (AP) Washington Nationals manager Dusty Baker has strongly indicated that Max Scherzer will start on opening day April 4 in Atlanta.

''I assume so,'' the Nationals' first-year manager said Sunday.

It would be the second consecutive opening day start for Scherzer, who signed a seven-year, $210 million contract prior to last season. He went 14-12 with a 2.79 ERA in 2015.

Scherzer also became the sixth pitcher in major league history to throw two no-hitters in the same season. He no-hit the Pirates on June 20 and the Mets on Oct 4.

''He comes to pitch. Guys like playing behind him. I watched him on TV last year, every chance I got because I like watching baseball, and I like watching guys who have a chance to throw a no-hitter every time out,'' Baker said.