The traditional numbers might not be as good as the ones he posted with the Detroit Tigers in the American League, but there are certain moments when Max Scherzer looks unhittable and appears to be the best pitcher in all of baseball.
Wednesday against the Detroit Tigers it was one of those nights.
The right-hander pitched a complete game, and only allowed two runs and six hits to lead the Washington Nationals to a 6-2 win. And if that wasn’t enough, he also struck out 20 batters. Yes, you read that right. You can watch just how dominant he was in the video below:
No one has struck out this many guys in the past 15 years, and Scherzer actually tied an MLB record to put himself in company with Randy Johnson, Kerry Wood and Roger Clemens who did it twice. Scherzer’s performance was even more impressive when considering he only needed 119 pitches, and threw 96 of those for strikes. It’s safe to say his command was spot on.
Scherzer has a 4-2 record and a 4.15 ERA this season, but today it was the first time he really looked like the pitcher who – deservedly – netted a seven-year, $210 million contract before the 2015 season. He broke many other records during his 20 K performance, and he’s solidified his status as the Nats’ ace and one of the best hurlers in all of baseball.
That was known already, but it’s never a bad time to remind everyone how dominant you can be. Especially after a game where you strike out Miguel Cabrera – one of the best hitters in all of baseball – three times in one night.
Owner of two no-hitters and having already broken the Nationals’ single-season record for most strikeouts in a single season, Scherzer continues to make history in Washington. He might not be this good for the entire length of his contract, but he’s done enough to be considered among the best pitchers to ever step on the mound for the franchise.
Well done, Max.