WASHINGTON _ The Nationals aren't the Mets.
Nor are they the Giants, Phillies or Padres _ the other softies the Marlins used to vault themselves into playoff contention these past two weeks.
No, the first-place Nationals can play a little, and Monday they put the Marlins in their place with an 11-2 mauling that marked Miami's worst loss since a 10-1 loss to _ yes, the Nationals _ on Aug. 9.
The Marlins _ who saw their four-game win streak come to an end _ picked a poor time to take on the division leaders.
The Nationals activated pitcher Max Scherzer and outfielder Jayson Werth from the disabled list, just in time for the series opener, and both did damage.
Scherzer cruised to an easy win in which he held the Marlins to a run on only five hits. He struck out 10 in seven innings. His only miscue: an opposite field solo homer by Christian Yelich.
Werth, meanwhile, belted a two-run homer off Marlins starter Jose Urena, who was far from sharp. Urena threw 94 pitches during the four innings he was on the mound.
Scherzer and Urena each brought identical 12-5 records into the game, but they were nothing alike in their performances Monday.
