Max Scherzer. Photo by Ed Delany of Metsmerized
Max Scherzer contributed a sensational performance in the New York Mets’ 2-0 win over the Houston Astros Saturday afternoon. The right-handed pitcher looked quite sharp, throwing seven scoreless innings and striking out eight along the way. Scherzer is in great shape as he prepares for his first start of the 2023 regular season.
Astros‘ starter Framer Valdez and Scherzer battled it out for the first four innings, before the Mets opened in the scoring in the top of the fourth. Mark Vientos put the team ahead with a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Tommy Pham. Tim Locastro would extend the Mets lead in the top of the seventh, as the outfielder hit a solo home run to center field. That would be all they needed, as Scherzer and the bullpen kept the Astros bats quiet all afternoon.
The 38-year-old’s final line on Saturday read: 7.0 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 SO. He only threw 71 pitches, 52 of which were strikes.
Overall, Scherzer has dominated in his limited spring training action, pitching to a 0.77 ERA in 11 2/3 innings. His seven innings of work against the Astros is great sign, especially with Opening Day just 11 days away. It looks more and more likely that Scherzer will be ready to give the team length to open up the season, something the Mets so desperately need.
The state of the rotation has some questions with José Quintana out until at least July. Kodai Senga dealt with a bit of nagging finger injury, but he has since returned to the mound. The Mets need Scherzer and Justin Verlander to stay healthy and give the team as many quality innings as they can, especially early in the season.
Early returns show Scherzer should be in line for another stellar season.
