On Saturday, Nationals starter Max Scherzer tossed a 16-strikeout, one-hit shutout against the Brewers. One would have been betting smart money on a lesser follow-up in Saturday’s start against the Pirates. Instead, Scherzer came one strike away from a perfect game before settling for a no-hitter with 10 strikeouts.
If you’re counting at home, in his last 18 innings, Scherzer has allowed exactly zero runs, allowed one hit, walked one batter, and struck out 26. Along with the hit batsman, that’s three base runners in the span of two complete games. That’s quite a rare feat, as Trent McCotter, the vice chairman of the SABR records committee points out:Scherzer allowed only 3 baserunners over last 2 complete games. Only guy to allow fewer baserunners over 2 CGs? Pud Galvin, Buffalo, 1884
— Trent McCotter (@trentmccotter) June 20, 2015
Max Scherzer: pretty good at throwing baseballs.