Max Scherzer, a pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays, is set to make history by starting his second winner-take-all Game 7 in the World Series, a feat no other living pitcher has accomplished. Scheduled to take the mound on Saturday night against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Scherzer will be up against the formidable Shohei Ohtani.
In the 2019 World Series, Scherzer also started Game 7, despite dealing with a neck nerve issue that required a cortisone injection. Although he struggled and left the game after five innings with his team trailing by two runs, the Washington Nationals eventually rallied to win 6-2 in Houston.
Among pitchers in World Series history, only a few, such as Bob Gibson, Lew Burdette, and Don Larsen, have started multiple winner-take-all Game 7s. Scherzer, aged 41, signed a one-year contract worth $15.5 million with the Blue Jays, aiming to secure his third World Series ring after winning with Washington in 2019 and Texas in 2023. With 18 years of experience in the big leagues, Scherzer has been sharing his knowledge and expertise with his new team.
During the current season, Scherzer struggled with injuries, including right thumb inflammation and neck pain, which kept him off the roster for the first round of playoffs after a string of losses. However, he made a strong comeback during the American League Championship Series, demonstrating his leadership and pitching prowess.
On the Dodgers’ side, starting Ohtani in Game 7 makes strategic sense as using him in relief would have limitations due to MLB rules. Ohtani, known for his dual role as a pitcher and designated hitter, has excelled in both aspects during the World Series, showcasing his batting skills with three homers and solid pitching performances.
The upcoming Game 7 will mark Toronto’s first appearance in a World Series Game 7, while the L.A. Dodgers have a mix of victories and defeats in such high-stakes games throughout their history. The stage is set for an intense and historic showdown between two powerhouse teams in the ultimate game of the World Series.
