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Max Scherzer received two standing ovations while on the road in his first game back from the injured list.
In his first start since June 10, Nationals fans showered Scherzer with cheers and a standing ovation as the 19-year MLB veteran took the mound.
Scherzer, who played for the Nationals from 2015 to 2021, returned the ovation with a salute to the crowd.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner fought through 2 2/3 innings with 75 pitches and allowed just one run from his former team.
Scherzer got into some trouble during the first inning when the bases were loaded with one out, but like so many other times in his career, he escaped unscathed.
The pitchers four strike outs on the day also moved him within eight of Walter Johnson (3,515) for 10th on MLBs all-time strikeout list.
As Scherzer walked off the mound he was once again given a standing ovation and gave a wave to the crowd as a show of thanks.
The return to the mound, after dealing with back spasms and right thumb discomfort, marked Scherzers second return from the injured list this season.
He had previously missed April 24-June 10 with a combination of right forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation.
In his only start between the injured list stints, Scherzer allowed five runs in 3 1/3 innings.
The right-handed pitcher has struggled mightily this season when he has stayed healthy, only lasting more than 3 1/3 innings one other time.
He has pitched to a 10.23 ERA in 22 innings pitched, allowing 27 hits and 25 runs in that time.
He also has a career-high WHIP of 1.73.
During his time in Washington, Scherzer won the National League Cy Young Award in 2016 and 2017, played a crucial role in the franchises first World Series championship in 2019, and racked up 2,692 strikeouts.
In a blockbuster deal, Scherzer was traded to the Dodgers before the 2021 deadline, along with shortstop Trea Turner.
He also spent a season-plus with the Mets.