Max Scherzer talks with the media about recording his 300th strikeout of the season and how much it means to him. (0:48)

WASHINGTON -- Chalk up another milestone for Max Scherzer.

The Washington Nationals ace recorded his 300th strikeout of the season Tuesday night. The landmark whiff came in the top of the seventh inning, when Scherzer got Miami Marlins rookie Austin Dean swinging on a 3-2 slider for the second out.

Prior to ringing up Dean on the 10th pitch of the at-bat, Scherzer threw four consecutive fastballs, each of which the Miami left fielder fouled off. After every offering, the boisterous fans at Nationals Park, which included Scherzer's wife, Erica, grew louder, chanting, "Let's go, Max!" When Dean finally struck out, Scherzer smacked his glove in excitement and waved as the crowd of 26,483 gave him a prolonged standing ovation.

"I definitely wanted to do it here at home," said Scherzer, who is scheduled to make his final start Sunday, when Washington wraps up the season at the Colorado Rockies. "The fans, unbelievable support. When they're standing on their feet, going crazy, it just gives you an extra adrenaline boost, and you just want to go out there and accomplish that. It was an amazing feeling to have the fans behind you and the respect that they gave."

Max Scherzer's 300 strikeouts are the most in the National League and 41 more than that of fellow Cy Young contender Jacob deGrom. Nick Wass/AP

After retiring pinch hitter Derek Dietrich to end the inning, Scherzer walked to the dugout as Aloe Blacc's "The Man" blared throughout the stadium. Scherzer then shared hugs with Washington manager Dave Martinez and pitching coach Derek Lilliquist.

"What an unbelievable accomplishment for him," Martinez said of Scherzer, who allowed a run on five hits over seven innings to lead Washington to a 9-4 win.

With his 10 strikeouts for the outing, it is the 18th time Scherzer has tallied double-digit whiffs this season, most in the majors.

"I'm just happy I got to experience it," Martinez said. "I can't say enough about Max. He's a winner and a true champion."

Scherzer becomes the 17th pitcher since 1900 to fan 300 batters in a season and the fifth since 2000, joining Randy Johnson, Curt Schilling, Clayton Kershaw and Chris Sale. Prior to this year, Scherzer's career high was 284 strikeouts, set during a 2016 campaign in which he tied a major league record by striking out 20 Detroit Tigers in a start.

Scherzer's 300 strikeouts are the most in the National League and 41 more than that of New York Mets righty Jacob deGrom.