Tigers’ Max Scherzer First Pitcher to Start 12-0 Since 1986
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Ezra Shaw/Getty Images(ST. PETERSBURG) — Even though he’s in the same rotation as Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers pitcher Max Scherzer is making a name for himself around the baseball world after improving to 12-0 on Friday night.
Against the Tampa Bay Rays, the 27-year-old Scherzer pitched seven innings and allowed three earned runs while striking out nine batters.
Scherzer is the first pitcher to start out 12-0 since Roger Clemens did it while playing for the Boston Red Sox back in 1986. Clemens wound up starting the season 14-0 before getting his first loss that season.
“It’s really nice to be 12-0,” Scherzer said after the game. “I’m pitching well, but the reason I’m 12-0 is because of my offense. You got to see firsthand today the best player in the game hitting two home runs on three pitches and going 4 for 4. And Prince hits a bomb. It’s the offense that sets me up.”
Scherzer wasn’t exaggerating when talking about Miguel Cabrera, Prince Fielder, and the rest of the Tigers lineup. So far this season, the Tigers rank 3rd in baseball in runs scored, and lead all teams in batting average and one base percentage.
Scherzer is on pace to set career-highs in wins, innings pitched, strikeouts, WHIP, and ERA since becoming a full-time starter.
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