WASHINGTON – A day later, Max Scherzer couldn’t stop smiling.

“I’m doing great,” the Nationals righthander said the morning after he threw a no-hitter and came within a strike of a perfect game before hitting Pittsburgh’s Jose Tabata in Washington’s 6-0 victory. “I didn’t get much sleep, but that’s for a good reason.”

Scherzer came within one strike of throwing the majors’ 22nd perfect game since 1900.

Scherzer’s parents were on hand at Nationals Park on Saturday to see his accomplishment. Brad and Jan Scherzer decided to visit this weekend from Missouri instead of next month.

“It was great to be able to share last night with them as well,” Scherzer said. “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.”

ASSOCIATED PRESS