Max Scherzer, a pitcher with the Toronto Blue Jays, is set to make history as the sole living pitcher to start two decisive Game 7s in the World Series. Scheduled to pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday night, Scherzer will face off against the Dodgers’ standout player Shohei Ohtani.
Previously, Scherzer started Game 7 of the 2019 World Series, where he received a cortisone injection for a nerve issue near his neck. Despite facing challenges and exiting the game after five innings with a two-run deficit, Scherzer’s team, the Washington Nationals, eventually triumphed with a 6-2 victory in Houston.
Joining a select group of pitchers, including Bob Gibson, Lew Burdette, and Don Larsen, who have started multiple winner-take-all Game 7s in the World Series, Scherzer signed a $15.5 million one-year deal with the Blue Jays. The veteran player, aged 41, aims to add a third World Series ring to his collection, having secured titles with Washington in 2019 and Texas in 2023.
During the current season, Scherzer faced challenges, including a period of absence due to thumb inflammation and neck pain, leading to a 5-5 record with a 5.19 ERA in 17 starts. However, he showcased his prowess during the American League Championship Series, notably winning Game 4 against Seattle.
As the World Series reaches its climax, the Toronto Blue Jays and the L.A. Dodgers gear up for Game 7, with historical implications for both teams. While the Blue Jays have never played a World Series Game 7 before, the Dodgers have a mix of victories and losses in such decisive games throughout their storied history.
In the upcoming matchup, the decision to start Ohtani for the Dodgers carries strategic implications, as under a rule change implemented in 2022, Ohtani can transition from pitcher to designated hitter without forfeiting the designated hitter position in the lineup. Ohtani’s versatility and performance in both batting and pitching have been critical for the Dodgers in the World Series.
The stage is set for an intense and historic Game 7 showdown between the Toronto Blue Jays and the L.A. Dodgers, with Scherzer and Ohtani poised to play pivotal roles in determining the outcome of this high-stakes contest.
