Washington Nationals' Max Scherzer pitches no hitter vs. Pittsburgh Pirates

WASHINGTON — Max Scherzer pitched a no-hitter and came agonizingly close to a perfect game, hitting a batter with two outs in the ninth inning Saturday in the Washington Nationals' 6-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Scherzer was masterful in retiring the first 26 hitters. He came within one strike of throwing the 22nd perfect game in major league history since 1900. Pinch-hitter Jose Tabata fouled off three 2-2 pitches before Scherzer clipped him on the elbow with a breaking ball. Tabata dropped his elbow as the pitch approached, and Scherzer immediately grimaced after plunking him. Scherzer (8-5) then retired Josh Harrison on a deep fly to left...