Max Scherzer's Remarkable Performance: A Blast from the Past
It was a do-or-die situation. The Toronto Blue Jays, facing the Seattle Mariners in the American League Championship Series, needed a win to stay alive. Who did they turn to? The legendary Max Scherzer, a name synonymous with pitching dominance. But this wasn't just any game; it was a vintage performance that rolled back the years. Let's dive into six key takeaways from this unforgettable night.
Scherzer, a seasoned veteran, took the mound for his 500th career start, a testament to his longevity and skill. Coming off a challenging end to the regular season and a three-week hiatus, he delivered a stellar performance, earning an 8-2 victory for Toronto. He pitched for 5 2/3 innings, allowing only two runs and striking out five, marking his first playoff win in six years, since the 2019 World Series.
1. A Well-Traveled Veteran:
Scherzer's journey in baseball is nothing short of remarkable. Before this game, he had already made postseason appearances for the Tigers, Nationals, Dodgers, Mets, and Rangers. This feat made him only the fifth player in MLB history to play in the playoffs for six different teams. What's even more impressive? Scherzer is the only pitcher to start a postseason game for six different teams. Talk about a journeyman! David Wells, the other pitcher in this exclusive club, only pitched in relief for one of those teams.
2. Still Winning, After All These Years:
At 41 years old, Scherzer defied Father Time. He became only the fourth starting pitcher to win a postseason game at age 41 or older. He joined the ranks of legends like Roger Clemens, Kenny Rogers, and Dennis Martinez. At 41 years and 81 days old, Scherzer is the ninth-oldest starting pitcher to achieve this feat. He's also the second-oldest player to play in a postseason game for the Blue Jays. The last pitcher as old as Scherzer with a postseason win was Rogers in 2006. This performance was a true testament to his enduring skill.
3. Cy Young Teammates Unite:
The Blue Jays had a special treat for their fans. With Shane Bieber in Game 3 and Scherzer in Game 4, they saw former Cy Young winners win in back-to-back games. This is only the ninth time a team has had former Cy Young winners win consecutive games in the postseason, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
4. Turning Back the Clock:
Scherzer's performance wasn't just about experience; it was about raw power. His sixth pitch of the game was a 96.5 mph fastball. He averaged 94.2 mph on his fastball, tying his highest average velocity in a game this season. But here's where it gets controversial: his curveball became an unexpected weapon. He generated six swings and misses on his curveball, a career high for him in a single game. He threw 10 curveballs, and the Mariners swung at every single one. It was only the second time in his career that he's induced 10 swings against his curveball in a single game.
5. A Pickoff Masterpiece:
In the third inning, Scherzer pulled off a rare feat: a pickoff! He caught Leo Rivas off guard, marking his first successful pickoff in 31 career postseason appearances and his first in over nine years. The last time he did this was back in 2016. For the Blue Jays, the last starting pitcher to be credited with a pickoff in the postseason was Jimmy Key in the 1992 World Series.
6. Rocky Road to a Rebound:
This incredible performance seemed almost improbable. Over his final six regular-season starts, Scherzer had a 9.00 ERA. He was even left off the ALDS roster against the Yankees. His last appearance before Game 4 saw him allow four runs in five innings against the Red Sox. Before this game, he hadn't pitched at least 5 2/3 innings in a start since August 25. And this is the part most people miss: he hadn't allowed two or fewer runs since August 19. It just goes to show you, never count out a veteran.
What are your thoughts on Scherzer's performance? Do you think his experience was the key to his success, or was it something else? Share your opinions in the comments below!
