Nationals pitcher Scherzer drops baseball over puck at Capitals game
National League champions celebrated at Capital One Arena on Friday
by Dan O'Leary @DanOLeary25 / NHL.com Staff Writer
Max Scherzer threw the Washington Capitals a curveball.
The ace pitcher from the National League champion Washington Nationals did not drop the ceremonial first puck at Capital One Arena -- he dropped the ceremonial first baseball instead.
Scherzer and the Nationals were invited to the game against the New York Rangers because they had the night off after completing a sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday to win the National League pennant.
But Scherzer pulling the hidden ball trick was only the start of the Nationals-themed party on Friday.
Nationals outfielder Adam Eaton read the starting lines.
Fans also did a raucous "Baby Shark" dance during the game, a tribute to Nationals outfielder Gerardo Parra.
The Capitals are returning the favor in D.C. after the Nationals showed up to salute their NHL counterparts during their run to the Stanley Cup in 2018.
The Nationals will face the New York Yankees or Houston Astros in the World Series.