Every morning we review the nastiest pitches from the previous day’s games in glorious HD GIFs. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite pitch and check back this weekend to see if it will be in contention for the GIF of the First Half Contest. Did we miss your favorite pitch? Send us a tweet next time @PitcherList and we’ll GIF it up + give you a shoutout here in the article.
[gfycat data_id=”EnchantingPlayfulBushsqueaker”]
Jordan Hicks‘ Sliders – 21-year-old rookie Jordan Hicks has electrified the baseball world this weekend, with blazing 101 mile per hour fastballs. However, it’s his devastating mid-80’s slider that has stifled hitters, as seen delivered here to Brewers catcher Manny Pina.
[gfycat data_id=”EmbellishedSlowBarnswallow”]
Jameson Taillon’s Curveball – Taillon had his strikeout stuff working on Monday, striking out nine in just 5 1/3 innings of work. Check out the buckle he put on Miguel Sano with this sweeping curveball, perfectly located in the corner of the zone. Beautiful.
[gfycat data_id=”SimilarUnrealisticBluefish”]
Kelvin Herrera’s Slider – Herrera has not used much of his slider the last few years, but you wouldn’t be able to tell based on this filthy pitch that falls right off the table. Poor Dixon Machado didn’t have a chance at that one as soon as it left Herrera’s hand.
[gfycat data_id=”GlossyRaggedCattle”]
Charlie Morton’s Curveball – Morton had somewhat of a renaissance year last year, and that success carried over to his first start in 2018. He threw six shutout innings with six strikeouts, including dropping Tim Beckham with this big, nasty breaking ball.
[gfycat data_id=”TornDampKronosaurus”]
Tyler Mahle’s Fastball – Mahle was flat out dominant in his first start of the campaign, tossing six scoreless innings against the Cubs. He only surrendered one hit and struck out seven. Fastballs painted right on the corner like the above one to Jason Heyward are a big part of the reason why.
[gfycat data_id=”HighUntriedDore”]
Miles Mikolas‘ Curveball – Mikolas was a little up-and-down in his first big league appearance since 2014, striking out five and walking none in 5 2/3 innings. He surrendered three long-balls, but his sharp 12-6 curveball will certainly help him keep hitters at bay going forward.
GIF Of The Night
Which was your favorite pitch? Vote below and the winner will be featured in the GIF of the First Half Contest.
[polldaddy poll=9974245]