Max Scherzer threw an immaculate inning for the Dodgers, striking out Fernando Tatis Jr., Eric Hosmer, and the next hitter on just nine pitches. He used a mix of two-seam fastballs, sharp curveballs, and hard sliders, placing all nine pitches in the zone with purpose. Against Tatis, he started with a two-seamer, followed up with a curve, and finished him off with a slider. To Hosmer, he mixed in a filthy curve and then ramped up the fastball from 93 to 96 mph to finish the job. The last batter saw more of the same—fastballs right down the middle that still couldn’t be hit. Scherzer hit 97 on the gun and walked off the mound muttering to himself, clearly locked in.
Since joining the Dodgers, Scherzer has been dominant, with the team winning every start he’s made. He looks like the best trade deadline pickup in years and is on another level mentally and physically. Even when he goes down the middle on an 0-2 count, hitters can’t touch it. His pitch mix is tight, his command is perfect, and his mound presence is intimidating. He’s flat-out dealing every time he takes the ball.