Nationals’ ace Max Scherzer had 20 strikeouts last night vs. the Tigers. What stood out about the former Cy Young winner’s outing?
When Washington Nationals’ ace Max Scherzer walked onto the field yesterday evening, there were many questioning whether the 31-year old had lost a step amidst early struggles in his second season as a National. He sported a disappointing 4.60 ERA through his first seven starts, highlighted by an alarming nine homers.
Facing departed teammate Jordan Zimmermann (5-2, 1.50 ERA), who was pitted against his former team for the first time as well, Scherzer was going to have to give it his all if the Nats were going to come out of this one with a win. Needless to say, Scherzer was able to put those rumblings to rest at the expense of his former club.
Mad Max struck out 20 Tigers in his first career start against Detroit, joining Randy Johnson (2001), Kerry Wood (1998), and Roger Clemens (1986, 1996) as the fourth pitcher in baseball history to record 20 strikeouts in a nine-inning game. He allowed two runs on six hits (two home runs) without walking a single batter.
This is what 20 K's looks and sounds like. #Nats #MadMax pic.twitter.com/Gkka16u6to
— Eddie Matz (@eddie_matz) May 12, 2016
The affair was Scherzer’s sixth career complete game, and his fifth in a Nationals uniform. After finishing in the top five in Cy Young voting for the third straight year in 2015, expectations are at an all-time high for the $210 million man. What are the biggest takeaways from his historic 20 strikeout performance? Read on to find out.
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