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!
Ian Anderson’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/blaringnaughtyichthyostega
We had to wait another day (thanks to the weather) to finally get a glimpse of yet another fantastic Atlanta Braves pitcher making his debut, and Ian Anderson did not disappoint. Here is a beautiful 80 mph curveball low and away to Thairo Estrada on his way to a dominant first win in the majors, against Gerrit Cole in fact.
Dallas Keuchel’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/bonydiligentdiscus
You can pretty much bank on seeing a nasty pitch per inning at the minute from Dallas Keuchel. Picking up his fifth win of the season and his third in as many starts, he made the Pirates hitters swing and miss all day–here is a delightful 76 mph slider to take care of Bryan Reynolds.
Gerrit Cole’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/dentalrapidgartersnake
Speaking of Gerrit Cole, the Yankees big-money superstar was full of frustration early on in his outing after a couple of indifferent umpiring calls on his pitches. After giving up a home run to the returning Ronald Acuna Jr., he responded with true anger and blew away Marcell Ozuna with a ripping 89 mph slider.
Mike Clevinger’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/courteousthoseasianwaterbuffalo
Oh, how we have missed you, Mike Clevinger! After some less than desirable behavior shall we say, the Cleveland starter worked his way out of some early trouble and went a full six innings to earn the win. This delicious 82 mph slider to dispose of Miguel Sano was his pitch of the day. Hat tip to PL+ Members burial and KingHippo.
Jacob deGrom’s Four-Seam Fastball
https://gfycat.com/optimalpersonalarchaeocete
Let’s break this run of crafty sliders and admire some straight heat from Jacob deGrom as he paints a 100 mph four-seamer on the outside corner to Jon Berti.
Aaron Nola’s Knuckle-Curve
https://gfycat.com/hatefulsentimentalbass
Isn’t it a beautiful thing that you only have to wait for the first hitter to step up before Aaron Nola throws a nasty pitch! Here is his deceiving 79 mph knuckle-curveball to fool Trea Turner.
Jon Gray’s Sinker
https://gfycat.com/mediocrepassionateintermediateegret
What I have loved about watching Jon Gray is that he seems to be fired up to prove a point this season. After a couple of shaky fastballs to Nick Ahmed, he comes back with this perfect 95 mph sinker on the outside corner.
Max Fried’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/calmglitteringalbacoretuna
The young lefty continues to impress with six wins in eight starts, and today’s showing against a dangerous New York Yankees lineup was probably Max Fried’s best showing of the year. Aaron Judge goes down swinging to this disappearing 76 mph curveball.
Ian Anderson’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/partialaltruisticlark
Just in case you didn’t get the word that Ian Anderson’s debut was stellar, here is his magnificent 89 mph changeup to fool Aaron Hicks.
GIF of the Night
Which was your favorite pitch? Vote below, and the winner may be featured in our Nastiest Pitches tournament midway through the season.
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