Jaffe: Scherzer vs. Verlander: Who will get to three no-hitters first?
From SABR member Jay Jaffe at Sports Illustrated on June 22, 2017:
Some day, a pitcher will join the ranks of the immortal Bob Feller, Sandy Koufax, Nolan Ryan and Cy Young and the forgotten Larry Corcoran in the exclusive circle of pitchers to notch at least three no-hitters. Wednesday, in fact, appeared to be that day, as both the Nationals’ Max Scherzer and the Tigers’ Justin Verlander made valiant attempts. But infield hits ended each quest, things went downhill from there, and when the smoke cleared, they had lost their bids for glory and their teams had lost the games. History—as well as the 2017 season’s second no-hitter—will have to wait.
The 32-year-old Scherzer, who no-hit the Pirates on June 20, 2015 and then the Mets on Oct. 3 of that season, held the Marlins hitless during a matinee in Miami for 7 1/3 innings before lead-footed backup catcher A.J. Ellis lucked into an infield single that sparked the decisive rally. That night in Seattle, the 34-year-old Verlander, who no-hit the Brewers on June 12, 2007 and then the Blue Jays on May 7, 2011, was perfect for 5 1/3 inning before the Mariners’ Jarrod Dyson beat out a perfect drag bunt that ignited a come-from-behind victory as well.
Read the full article here: https://www.si.com/mlb/2017/06/22/max-scherzer-justin-verlander-no-hitters
- Related link: Get your free e-book copy of SABR’s new book, NO-HITTERS
Originally published: June 22, 2017. Last Updated: June 22, 2017.