Only Max Scherzer would get a strikeout on a pitch clock violation and be unhappy.
That was the case Monday night during the Rangers’ game against the Angels when Scherzer was credited with a strikeout on a called strike that came as a result of the infraction in the first inning.
The Rangers pitcher was readying to throw a 1-2 pitch with two outs when the home plate umpire called out Angels batter Brandon Drury for a pitch clock violation.
Although you’d expect a pitcher to end the inning with a strikeout, Scherzer looked frustrated and tossed the ball over his shoulder as he walked to the dugout.
Scherzer has not been a fan of the new pitch clock rule that was implemented this season, but he had plenty of other opportunities to strike out batters Monday.
The righty tallied 11 strikeouts and gave up just one hit in seven innings in the 12-0 win over the Angels, his sixth career game where he had 10-plus strikeouts and one or zero hits allowed, according to ESPN.
The former Mets pitcher has been lights out since arriving in the Lone Star State last month, posting a 1.80 ERA with 26 strikeouts in 20 innings spanning three starts.
“Of course it feels great when you don’t give up any runs,” Scherzer told reporters after the game. “It’s a great feeling, but I’ve pitched long enough to know that you enjoy these moments. But you also know that there’s also going to be games where you’re going to be in a tight ballgame. I mean, it’s probably going to be a tight ballgame and you have to make pitches around that.
“You enjoy these, don’t get me wrong, but I know what it takes to win at this level. You have to be on your A-game every single time. Opposing lineups are all gunning to get you, so there isn’t any time to let your foot off the gas.”
The 39-year-old added: “Enjoy it, have a couple of beers tonight, and get ready to work tomorrow.”
Scherzer was traded to the Rangers on July 29 before the MLB trade deadline in exchange for prospect Luisangel Acuña.
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