Nationals ace Max Scherzer exits after first inning in loss to Mets

Aug. 5 (UPI) -- Washington Nationals ace and three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer left his start against the New York Mets after only one inning Wednesday night because of a right hamstring injury.

Scherzer was removed from the game after just 27 pitches. Erick Fedde replaced him in the top of the second.

After the game, Scherzer downplayed the injury and said he was removed from his start as a precaution.

"I'm really not concerned about this," Scherzer told reporters. "I feel like this is going to heal up here pretty soon. The only reason it creeped up more was because it happened [Tuesday], so here in a couple days this should feel really good again.

"I really see this as a minor injury and more precaution than anything to keep from doing any further damage."

Scherzer wasn't as sharp as his usual self Wednesday, going to 2-0 counts against each of the Mets' first two hitters. He allowed one hit, walked one and gave up a run, and his velocity was down.

Scherzer, 36, entered the game with an 0-1 record and 2.84 ERA.

The Mets went on to earn a 3-1 win over the Nationals, highlighted by Dominic Smith's two-RBI night. Luis Guillorme had an RBI single in the fourth inning to break a 1-1 tie, and Smith plated the game-winning run in the seventh.

Nationals star outfielder Juan Soto made his 2020 debut after missing the first seven games of the season because of a positive coronavirus test hours before the team's opener against the New York Yankees.

Soto was 2-for-4 against the Mets and scored the Nationals' lone run with an RBI double in the first inning.

Mets starter Rick Porcello picked up his 150th career win Wednesday night. He struck out four and allowed one run on five hits across seven innings.

The Nationals host the Baltimore Orioles for a three-game series starting Friday, while the Mets play the Miami Marlins in a three-game set beginning the same day.