Nationals' Max Scherzer throws curveball into umpire's shirt

June 22 (UPI) -- Washington Nationals ace Max Scherzer had an eventful night against the Orioles, with one of his pitches going into the umpire's shirt.

The unique offering happened in the top of the fourth inning of the Nationals' 4-2 win Thursday at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.

Scherzer began the inning by allowing a solo home run to Mark Trumbo, giving the Orioles a 2-1 lead. Jonathan Schoop then stepped to the plate to face the Nationals' powerful right-hander.

Scherzer got Schoop swinging on an 82.3-mph changeup before the Orioles second baseman fouled off the second offering. Scherzer then looped in a 76 mph curveball for a ball.

The "Uncle Charlie" went down into the dirt in front of the plate and bounced past Nationals catcher Pedro Severino. The ball came up and hit the umpire in the throat before going in his shirt.

Earlier in the game, Scherzer also threw an interesting pitch. That time he was facing was facing Orioles slugger Manny Machado in the third inning. He came around and was trying to throw a pitch outside, but Severino was set up inside. Instead of holding up on the pitch, Scherzer overthrew it to his left, missing the box entirely for a wild pitch.

Scherzer allowed five hits and two runs, while tossing nine strikeouts in the start. He also allowed two home runs and a walk. Nationals reliever Kelvin Herrera earned the win on the hill.