Max Scherzer is 11-11 with a 2.89 ERA on the season

The Nationals finished a respectable 6-3 on their most recent homestand. We’ll take it.

But then they played the Cardinals on the road. No one beats the Cardinals. They did salvage one game yesterday, as Max Scherzer pitched a solid game (6 innings, 10 strikeouts, 2 runs), but he didn’t pick up the win. Rafael Martin got it.

HUGE 7-game homestand coming up! Time to find out what the Nationals are made of. They play the lowly Braves and then play the exact team they need to beat, the New York Mets. If they can’t beat the Mets now, their chances at a playoff push are pretty much over.

Throughout the month of September the Washington Nationals will celebrate their loyal fans as part of Fan Appreciation Month. Fans can win prizes during home games.

For game tickets and more information, call 202.675.NATS(6287) or visit nationals.com/tickets.

Thursday, September 3 vs. Atlanta Braves

• The first 20,000 fans to enter Nationals Park through ALL GATES will receive a five-piece Nesting Doll featuring players and managers from throughout Nationals history. This item marks the first Nationals giveaway to feature Max Scherzer. Golden Tickets will be randomly placed inside 100 of the Nesting Doll boxes — redeemable for a larger, 10-piece Nesting Doll set. Once a fan finds a Golden Ticket, they will got to a special Willy Wonka-themed room to redeem their 10-piece set. Willy Wonka will also be at Nationals Park, handing out candy.
• Nationals fans and their canine friends can enjoy the fifth Pups in the Park game from a designated Pup Zone in the Family Picnic Area. Featuring pet sitters and representatives from the Washington Humane Society and Fetch! Pet Care, owner tickets are available for $26, while dog tickets cost $10. All proceeds from the dog tickets benefit the Washington Humane Society. Visit nationals.com/pups for tickets.

Friday, September 4 vs. Atlanta Braves

Saturday, September 5 vs. Atlanta Braves

• The first 20,000 fans to enter the park through ALL GATES will receive Nationals Earbuds presented by T-Mobile.
• Craig Stammen will be honored during pregame ceremonies as the Nationals nominee for the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award. The award, now in its third year, honors the legacy of Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller, who became the first professional athlete to enlist in the U.S. military after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. A current MLB player, a Hall of Famer and a U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer are recognized each Veterans Day in a ceremony at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Sunday, September 6 vs. Atlanta Braves

• The Nationals are proud to support youth baseball and softball in the D.C. area with the Champions Day program, which recognizes teams from across the region that have won championship titles. The second of two select days is dedicated to local teams at the 12-year-old level that have won a state, regional or world championship. Teams will be honored during the pregame ceremony. For more information, visit nationals.com/championsday.

Monday, September 7 vs. New York Mets

Tuesday, September 8 vs. New York Mets

• The first 10,000 fans to enter the ballpark through ALL GATES will receive a Replica 2005 Mini Lineup Card. The 2005 Mini Lineup Card is the sixth and final 10-Year Tuesday collectible of the 2015 season.

Wednesday, September 9 vs. New York Mets

• In remembrance of the events that took place on September 11, 2001, the Nationals will host the final game of the 2015 Patriotic Series when the team wraps up their series against the New York Mets. The rescue, aid, military and law enforcement workers who serve our country every day will be honored as part of the observance, which will also include a variety of patriotic elements with special guests in attendance. Heroes Day is the fourth in the series of four Patriotic Series games. Pregame ceremonies are dedicated to first responders and military and will recognize the efforts of the Pentagon Memorial Fund.