Scherzer Flirts with Perfection Again
Max Scherzer continues his dominance over Major League hitters as he won another game on Friday night for the Washington Nationals. He has been so dominating of late that his teammates become surprised when he allows a hit.
Scherzer entered the sixth inning of Friday’s game with a perfect game attempting to become only the second pitcher in the history of the major leagues to throw consecutive no-hitters. He did not accomplish that feat, but the Nationals won again 5-2.
Scherzer, who is 9-5, retired 16 straight batters to open the game prior to Freddy Galvis doubling to right. Scherzer ended up giving up five hits and two runs over eight innings.
After the game, Scherzer said that when you get through the complete battling order once, you know your game is on. However, he said it was hard as it takes luck and when you make a mistake, you hope they mishit it.
Last Saturday Scherzer threw a no-hitter against Pittsburgh, falling a single strike from throwing a perfect when he hit a batter on a 3-2 pitch in the ninth with two out. He his start previous to the no-hitter, Scherzer threw a one-hitter and struck out 16.
However, he was not able to match Johnny Vander Meer. Vander Meer threw two consecutive no-hitters in June of 1938 for the Cincinnati Reds.
Scherzer called the feat by Vander Meer unbelievable and it seems very improbable he was able to accomplish it.
Scherzer now has three straight starts where he carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning.
On Friday night, Aaron Harang the starter for Philadelphia allowed four earned runs on nine hits over six innings losing his seventh consecutive decision.
Scherzer even had a single in the game to extend his hitting streak to six. He scored on a sacrifice fly by Danny Espinosa.
Scherzer allowed a RBI double during the seventh and Ben Revere hit a pinch hit home run during the eighth. It was his third career round tripper in 2,195 at bats.
Matt Williams the Nationals’ manager said Scherzer was once again very good as he had complete control and dominance.
Scherzer’s win was No. 100 for his career. The winner of the 2012 AL Cy Young had 82 wins in Detroit and 9 with Arizona prior to signing with Washington during the offseason.
The Nationals right-hander said that being able to win 100 in the big show is very special. With the season not yet half over, and Scherzer dominating in each outing, it will not be surprising to see him reach 20 wins for the season and possibly toss another no-hitter.
