Scherzer sets new K record, doesn't get win

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Photo credit Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Max Scherzer is running out of strikeout feats to conquer, but he nailed another one on Sunday, and it still wasn't good enough to get the win.

Never before in MLB history had a pitcher struck out 15 in just 6.1 innings. He secured all but four of his 19 outs via the K. That's 79 percent of outs, and 58 percent of all batters faced (including five hits and two walks).

This game ball will go on a long mantle for the Nationals ace. Here's a short list of single-game accomplishments:

  • Scherzer has 69 double-digit strikeout games
  • He has five 15-strikeout games (four with the Nats)
  • He has a 20-strikeout game (May 2016)

This is special. Even if it seemingly happens all the time with Scherzer, historic strikeouts should never be mistaken for mundane.

According to the Washington Post's Jorge Castillo, Scherzer leads the league in strikeout percentage vs. right-handed batters, entering Sunday's game with 47.6 percent K's. 

That's enough incentive for most teams to deploy any southpaw with a pulse against him. Instead, the Phils sent six right-handers and Scherzer feasted.

The remarkable part is that he was nearly matched in his effectiveness by the Phils' Jake Arrieta, who efficiently pitched to contact.

The Nats bats went quiet, but Scherzer still left the game with a one-run lead. It was first the Nationals' bullpen that stumbled, and then the Phillies who coughed up the lead.

In the end, the Nats won the game, even if Sean Doolittle got it in relief. They move back to one game over .500 and Scherzer takes over his natural position leading the league in K's.

 

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