Washington Nationals History: Max Scherzer Strikes Out Twenty
By David Hill
There had been just four 20 strikeout games in MLB history prior to this day in 2016. Washington Nationals starter Max Scherzer made it five games with his gem against the Detroit Tigers.
Very quietly, Max Scherzer has put together quite an impressive resume. He had won the 2013 American League Cy Young award while with the Detroit Tigers, and in his first season with the Washington nationals, became the fifth pitcher to throw two no hitters in a season. His second no hitter was just an error away from a perfect game, and had the highest game score of any start since Kerry Wood‘s 20 strikeout game.
Scherzer would join Wood in MLB history on this day in 2016. Facing his old team, the Detroit Tigers, he joined Wood, Roger Clemens, and Randy Johnson as the only pitchers to reach that lofty mark in a single game in the Nationals 3-2 victory.
Scherzer struck out three batters in the second, third, and eighth innings, and had just one inning where he struck out only one batter. Yet, the Tigers were able to keep pace with the Nationals, notching six hits. scoring on home runs by Jose Iglesias and J.D. Martinez. The Martinez homer led off the ninth inning, leaving it questionable as to whether or not Scherzer would gt to make a run at history.
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He settled himself after that homer. With 18 strikeouts heading into the inning, Scherzer struck out Miguel Cabrera for the first out. After Victor Martinez singled to left, Justin Upton went down swinging, as Scherzer hit the 20 strikeout mark. With a chance to make history, and notch his 21st whiff of the game, James McCann grounded out to second to end the contest.
Although the Tigers did get those two runs, Scherzer still showed impressive command. He did not walk a batter, and for the most part, was able to place the ball exactly where he wanted it. It was, without a doubt, one of the more impressive performances in the history of the game.
That performance would be the start of an impressive season. Scherzer led the league with 20 wins, a 0.968 WHiP, and 284 strikeouts. He also led the league in starts and innings pitched, proving to be the ace the Nationals needed. In the end, he won the 2016 NL Cy Young award, the sixth pitcher to win the award in both leagues.
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Max Scherzer had already made history with the Washington Nationals. On this day in 2016, he added another accomplishment to his resume.