Last night, Max Scherzer was back in action after a two-week absence. We knew he had a maximum pitch count and seeing him pitch a full game was not a possibility.
And the gunner made the situation impossible for his manager Buck Showalter: after six innings, he had 68 pitches… and a perfect game.
But since a plan is a plan and the pitcher’s arm needs to be saved for the playoffs, the manager took him out of the game – and MadMax understood.
He also got nine strikeouts.
He therefore, in the end, harvested “only” a quality start against Milwaukee since Tylor Megill, in two small throws in the seventh, granted a double to Christian Yelich.
It was the first time in Megill’s career that he was used as a relief.
The important thing for the Mets is that the club won. In such a tight race in the East (and with the fact that the Braves also won last night), you had to get the W.
And that’s what happened. Note that the Dodgers are also mathematically guaranteed to finish among the two best teams in the National.
It also allowed the Mets to qualify for the playoffs. It was a formality, but still: it’s done… and this, for the first time since 2016.
Note that the Tigers also had, for a period, a game without points or hits against the Baltimore Orioles.
- The Astros secured a fifth division title in six years (and skipped the wild card round) and the Guardians extended their lead in powerhouse by winning against the Twins.
- Nice gesture from Javier Baez.
- Michel Laplante speaks out on the Capitales de Québec championship. [BPM Sports]
- Will he miss many games?
