Max Scherzer of the Dodgers retired the first twenty two Padres batters he faced before Eric Hosmer doubled with one out in the eighth inning. On the way, Scherzer recorded his 3000th strikeout. His nine K today with zero walks puts him at 3003 for his career, 19th all time, and ten behind the injured Justin Verlander. Only four pitchers topped 4000 K in their career. At Scherzer’s age, that’s a tough goal, but he needs 700 to top Bert Blyleven for fifth place. Given that Scherzer doesn’t appear to be losing his ability to pitch, that seems like a reasonable goal.

The Dodgers keep pace with the Giants with the 8-0 win as San Francisco downs the Cubs 6-5.