Every week we review the nastiest pitches from the previous week in glorious HD GIFs. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite pitch and and check back this weekend to see if it will be in contention for the GIF of the First Half. Did we miss your favorite pitch? Send us a tweet next time @ThePitcherList and we’ll GIF it up + give you a shoutout here in the article.
Corey Kluber’s Slider – The Klubot was officially activated against the White Sox Wednesday afternoon as he struck out nine batters in 8.1 innings. His final out of the day came on this wicked Slider to Todd Frazier that looks to change direction two-thirds of the way through the pitch. Filthy. (Thanks to @account_stats for the tip!)
Lance McCullers‘ Curveball – It was a McCullers type of night as the young Astros flamethrower collected 10 strikeouts and 6 walks across five frames. Nearly all of his punchouts came on his excellent Knuckle-Curveball, including this one to Hyun Soo Kim that nearly swept him off his feet.
Kelvin Herrera’s Slider – It’s been one incredible year for Herrera now that he’s featuring a Slider with unreal bite. It broke so much that Twins’ catcher Kurt Suzuki had a discussion with the umpire despite catching the inside corner. (Thanks to Redditors Moore15 and Natrone011 for the tip!)
Clay Buchholz’s Curveball – It’s a breaking ball kind of day and this one may be the best of the bunch. Buchholz threw this hook that started belt high and over the outside corner that ended up hitting the dirt and in the opposite batter’s box. Crazy good movement. (Thanks to Redditor bengalmike17 for the tip!)
Carlos Rodon’s Slider – When it comes to Rodon’s repertoire, his Slider is king. He exhibited its pure filth as he threw this true back-foot slide piece to Lorenzo Cain that had the Royals outfielder falling to his knee.
Clayton Kershaw’s Curveball – Another night, another CGSHO for the great Kershaw as he dismantled the Reds. His Curveball was everything it’s supposed to be and made Adam Duvall look silly on this 0-1 pitch.
Stephen Strasburg’s Changeup – There’s not stopping Strasburg, as he ERA/FIP/xFIP all sit comfortably under 3.00, with a K/9 of 11.44 and BB/9 of just 2.39. He had his way with the Mets last night and concluded the 5th inning with this Changeup to Ty Kelly that had some serious movement. (Thanks to Redditor TheBrimic for the tip!)
Alfredo Simon’s Eephus – Simon may be in the bottom tier of starts across the majors, but watching him throw a 54 MPH Eephus for a strike is enough to make any resentful fan smile.
GIF Of The Week
Which was your favorite pitch? Vote below and the winner will be featured in the GIF of the First Half contest.
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