Max Scherzer: Dad 'pretty happy' with no-hitter, his Father's Day gift

WASHINGTON -- Max Scherzer's parents were on hand at Nationals Park on Saturday to see his no-hitter, allowing the Nationals'ace to give his dad an unforgettable Father's Day present.

"It was great to be able to share last night with them as well," Scherzer said Sunday. "That's what my dad wanted [for Father's Day]. He doesn't want a tie. I gave him a no-hitter, so he's pretty happy."

Brad and Jan Scherzer decided to visit this weekend from Missouri instead of next month, putting them in the stands to see their son's accomplishment.

"I didn't get much sleep, but that's for a good reason, just on a high from the game," the right-hander said the morning after his no-hitter, a performance in which he came within a strike of a perfect game before hitting the Pittsburgh Pirates' Jose Tabata in Washington's 6-0 victory.

Tabata seemed to slightly drop his left elbow and got nicked. The crowd at Nationals Park on Sunday booed Tabata aggressively when his name was announced in the Pirates' lineup and in each of his four plate appearances during the game, which the Nationals won, 9-2.

"I wanted to get a hit," Tabata said Sunday morning, according to the Washington Post. "People don't understand that those were the instincts people have. I wasn't looking to get hit. I wanted to get a hit. I wanted to get on base."

Scherzer said he received about 120 texts after his brilliant performance, but the ones that meant the most were from opposing players.

"It's a sign of respect," said Scherzer, with the ball he threw for the final out resting behind him in his locker.

"I really do appreciate the support."

Clint Hurdle had offered Scherzer his lineup cards. But instead, the pitcher signed them for the Pirates' manager, who plans to auction them off for charity.

Scherzer came within one strike of throwing the 22nd perfect game in major league history since 1900.

In his past two starts, Scherzer has retired 54 of 57 batters with a combined 26 strikeouts. He is 8-5 with a 1.76 ERA for the season.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.