Only a bloop single into right field prevented Max Scherzer from making history with a perfect game as he completely dominated the Milwaukee Brewers. Scherzer fanned 16 Brewers and allowed only one hit as the Washington Nationals shut out the Brewers 4-0 Sunday afternoon.
Scherzer pitched six perfect innings, but his only blemish came in the bottom of the seventh as Brewers center fielder Carlos Gomez fisted one into right field (video). The ball landed just out of the reach second baseman Anthony Rendon, and Gomez became one of only two base runners (Scooter Gennett walk in the eighth) the Brewers would get the entire afternoon.
Scherzer struck out 16, including third baseman Hector Gomez and catcher Martin Moldonado three times each. Carlos Gomez, Adam Lind, and Jean Segura each struck out twice; Ryan Braun, Gennett, Shane Peterson, and Jason Rogers also fell victim.
Scherzer (W: 7-5, 1.93 ERA) had a final line that reads 9 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 16 K. It is the first time since Brandon Morrow in 2010 that a Major League pitcher threw a one-hit or no-hit shutout with 16 strikeouts, and he is only the fifth pitcher since 1900 to turn the trick. Curt Schilling (2002), Kerry Wood (1998), and Nolan Ryan (1972, '73, '90, '91) are the other three.*
Scherzer's strikeout of Rogers in the ninth was #15 and set a new Nationals record (Stephen Strasburg, 14 in 2010) for one game since the team moved to Washington in 2005. Carlos Gomez became #16. For Scherzer, Sunday's was his second complete game. Both are shutouts.
MLB.com's Adam McCalvy and Brandon Curry quoted the big right-hander discussing his accomplishment. Said Scherzer,
"I really felt good after about the second inning when I was really executing the slider. I was really executing my game plan. I had a good feel with [catcher Jose Lobaton], too. We were in sync. I didn't really need to do too much other than just go with him."
Both managers added their own input about the stellar performance. Nationals manager Matt Williams said,
"I thought he was in complete control from the first pitch. They're an aggressive swinging club that he was able to get ahead on and finish. Really nice performance."
Brewers manager Craig Counsell added,
"I think the great pitchers have this gear, the cruise-control gear and then the gear they go to when it counts or it matters. … That's what I think the really great ones are able to do. "
The Nationals gave Scherzer four runs of support with a sacrifice fly from Rendon in the top of second, a run-scoring single from Lobaton in the fourth, and a two-run double from Clint Robinson in the seventh. However, this day belonged to the man on the mound.
Taylor Jungman (L: 1-1, 2.25) also pitched well in defeat. Jungman allowed two earned runs on seven hits in five innings. He walked two and struck out five.
On Monday, Washington begins a four-game home-and-home series with the Tampa Bay Rays (two in each ball park) while Milwaukee does the same with the Kansas City Royals. Washington begins its series as the visitor, and Milwaukee stays home to start its series.
(* courtesy of MLB Newtwork graphic, Quick Pitch, June 14, 2015)
