Washington Nationals ace starter Max Scherzer collected 11 strikeouts in Wednesday's outing against the Miami Marlins, allowing two runs (no earned) on two hits and a walk over eight innings of work.

While some bad luck and shoddy fielding cost him and the Nationals the victory, Scherzer did tie a Nationals and Montreal Expos record in the contest. By striking out 11 batters, he tied for the franchise's most consecutive starts with at least 10 strikeouts, per ESPN Stats & Info. Only he and Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez can claim six straight such outings while playing for the organization.

Scherzer carried a no-hitter into the eighth inning of Wednesday's tilt but lost it on a shot that tipped off his glove and couldn't be barehanded by shortstop Trea Turner. Following a Turner error, Scherzer and the team's lead evaporated on a wild pitch, followed by a single from Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton.

Despite the loss, Scherzer wasn't charged with an earned run over his eight innings of work, lowering his ERA to 2.09 on the season. He also owns a league-high 145 strikeouts and 107.2 innings pitched and two complete games.

Thanks in part to his efforts, Washington owns the best record in the NL West by a wide margin. Prior to Thursday evening's action, the Nationals sit 9.5 games ahead of the Atlanta Braves for the top spot, the second-largest division lead in MLB.

The Nationals have the night off Thursday before opening up action in a three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday. Scherzer won't pitch in that series but will attempt to extend that streak and set a franchise-best mark against the Chicago Cubs in his next scheduled start Tuesday.