VIERA, Fla. (AP) – Max Scherzer outpitched Adam Wainwright in a matchup worthy of opening day, and the Washington Nationals defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 8-2 Thursday.

Scherzer struck out nine and walked three in five innings, allowing two runs – both unearned – and three hits.

Wainwright gave up four runs and seven hits in 4 1/3 innings, struck out four and walked one.

Michael A. Taylor hit a two-run double and a two-run homer for the Nationals. Anthony Rendon drove in two runs with his third double in two days.

Scherzer struck out eight of the Cardinals he faced, failing to fan Tommy Pham but getting Jedd Gyorko twice.

Wainwright was relieved by Nick Maness, who gave up two doubles, Taylor’s homer and a single among his first four batters.