Max Scherzer, the Toronto Blue Jays’ pitcher, is set to make history by starting his second winner-take-all Game 7 in the World Series, becoming the only living pitcher to achieve this feat. Scheduled to pitch on Saturday night against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Scherzer will face off against the renowned player Shohei Ohtani.
In the 2019 World Series, Scherzer previously started Game 7, receiving a cortisone injection for a nerve issue near his neck. Despite a challenging start, Scherzer left the game after five innings with his team trailing by two runs. However, the Washington Nationals rallied to secure a 6-2 victory over the Houston Astros.
Among pitchers in World Series history, only Bob Gibson (1964, ‘67, ’68) and Lew Burdette and Don Larsen (both in 1957 and ‘58) have started multiple winner-take-all Game 7s. Burleigh Grimes also started Game 7 in 1920 and ’31, with the former occurring in a best-of-nine Series format.
The 41-year-old Scherzer signed a $15.5 million one-year contract with Toronto, aiming to secure his third World Series ring after triumphs with Washington in 2019 and Texas in 2023. As an 18-year veteran in the major leagues, Scherzer has shared his wealth of experience with the Blue Jays.
During the current season, Scherzer faced challenges, posting a 5-5 record with a 5.19 ERA in 17 starts. He overcame a thumb injury and neck pain, leading to his exclusion from the roster in the playoffs’ initial rounds. However, he showcased his prowess during the American League Championship Series, notably winning Game 4 against Seattle.
For the Dodgers, starting Ohtani in Game 7 is a strategic move, given the rule implemented in the 2022 season allowing pitchers in the batting order to continue as designated hitters after leaving the mound. Ohtani, with a notable career in both pitching and batting, has proven his versatility on the field.
Toronto is heading into its first World Series Game 7, having clinched their previous championships in six games in 1992 and ’93. The Dodgers have a mix of victories and defeats in Game 7 history, notably winning in 1965 but facing losses in 2017 and previous encounters with the Yankees.
The upcoming Game 7 promises to be a thrilling showdown between two formidable teams vying for baseball’s ultimate prize.