Nationals pitcher Scherzer drops baseball over puck at Capitals game

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.

Tweet from @Capitals: In case you were wondering why the boys were jumping!@adamspankyeaton got em all fired up. Thanks @Nationals!#ALLCAPS // #STAYINTHEFIGHT pic.twitter.com/KtMESraE36

Fans also did a raucous "Baby Shark" dance during the game, a tribute to Nationals outfielder Gerardo Parra.

Tweet from @Capitals: CAPITAL ONE ARENA DID THE BABY SHARK CHOMP!!!#ALLCAPS // #STAYINTHEFIGHT pic.twitter.com/uK2my37yYJ

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.

Tweet from @Capitals: You were there for us, you know we're here for you.Now go win a #WorldSeries#ALLCAPS // #STAYINTHEFIGHT pic.twitter.com/Xjyajtju50

The Nationals will face the New York Yankees or Houston Astros in the World Series.