Every morning, the We Love Baseball crew reviews the Nastiest Pitches from the previous day’s games in glorious high-definition GIFs. We want to bring you the highest caliber of nastiness possible, so if you see a nasty pitch, please tell us about it. You can tweet @PitcherList to let us know and we’ll give you a shout-out here in the article if your tip makes the cut.
As a bonus for PL+ members, let us know about a pitch on the PL+ Discord in the Nasty Pitches Channel, and if your suggestion is included the next day, you’ll be entered into a weekly drawing for a free T-shirt!
Clayton Kershaw’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/DopeyLeafyCrossbill
In his final start of 2020, Clayton Kershaw was fantastic as he pitched 5.2 innings and struck out six, while only allowing two runs to cross the plate. Kershaw has gained infamy for his propensity to “choke” in the postseason, but last night he looked nothing like that. Kershaw had everything working for him, including this curve, which he lays over the bottom edge of the zone to freeze Yandy Díaz for a called strike.
Dustin May’s Sinker
https://gfycat.com/SoreUnsungElephantbeetle
Dustin May pitched in relief for Kershaw last night, and he was near-perfect, allowing only one hit over his 1.2 innings on the mound. May is known for putting some wicked movement on his absurdly fast sinker. Here he fools Austin Meadows with an ungodly 100 mph pitch that zips out of the zone.
Tyler Glasnow’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/RapidLimpJaguar
Tyler Glasnow struggled in his first World Series start, and it was more of the same tonight. Glasnow allowed four runs over five innings. Despite his struggles, Glasnow was able to make some really nice pitches, and here was the best one he threw all night. Check out the slo-mo spin on this pretty curve that slips under Cody Bellinger’s bat for a swinging strike (h/t to PL+ member AetherJ (Jordan)).
Blake Treinen’s Sinker
https://gfycat.com/LimpingDaringDanishswedishfarmdog
Finally today, we feature the pitch that ended the ballgame. After Kenley Jansen blew the save Saturday night, Blake Treinen got the save yesterday and he did it in style. After allowing a leadoff single, Treinen made three outs in a row, and finished it off with this vicious sinker that he blows by Willy Adames. That sets the Dodgers up for a chance to clinch their first title since 1988, as they take a commanding 3-2 lead in the series.