Former Missouri Tiger Scherzer Impresses in Game 1 Win Over A’s

Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

What if, before the MLB season, I told you that Max Scherzer would be the AL Cy Young favorite, win 21 games, and start game 1 of the ALDS? You would have thought I was mistaking him for Justin Verlander, no? Former Missouri Tiger Max Scherzer took the hill last night in Game 1 of the American League Division Series, and dominated.

Scherzer allowed only two runs, on three hits, while striking out 11, in his 7 strong innings pitched. Scherzer was absolutely dominant through his first six innings, but he hit a slight rough patch in his 7th and final inning. Scherzer, who had only allowed a single hit through six, gave up an infield single to Brandon Moss, and then a blast to Yoenis Cespedes to open the bottom of the 7th inning. Detroit’s lead was now trimmed to 3-2. Manager Jim Leyland, though, allowed Scherzer to stay in the game to finish the 7th. Scherzer then got Josh Reddick to fly out to left, Stephen Vogt to pop to short, and then struck out Daric Barton to preserve the lead for the Tigers.

The Tigers finished off game 1 at that same score of 3-2, which is huge, because it is not easy to win in the O.co Coliseum. The Tigers and A’s will battle it out again in Oakland tonight, with Justin Verlander facing Sonny Gray.