Every morning, we review the nastiest pitches from the previous day’s games in glorious high-definition 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 Quarter Contest. Did we miss your favorite pitch? Send us a tweet next time @PitcherList, and we’ll GIF it up and give you a shoutout here in the article.
Max Scherzer’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/SnivelingPlumpBongo
Max Scherzer was absolutely dealing yesterday against the Reds, striking out an astounding 15 batters en route to a Nationals win. Yes, there were many worthy pitches that could’ve been featured here for Scherzer’s gem, but I went with this filthy changeup that caused Tucker Barnhart to lose control of his bat in the top of the fifth inning.
Kyle Crick’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/ScornfulDimwittedHellbender
Pitches are not supposed to move like this. Kyle Crick struck out the side in order for the Pirates yesterday, using an otherworldy slider on two of his outs, with the one shown above being the nastiest. (Shoutout to @LudaChristian25 for the tip on this one!)
Jake Odorizzi’s Fastball
https://gfycat.com/ScrawnyShimmeringGreendarnerdragonfly
Jake Odorizzi continued his domination yesterday against the fierce Tampa Bay Rays. Odorizzi fanned nine over six innings, but the best pitch he threw would be his first strikeout of the game to Austin Meadows, a fastball that runs away from the strike zone to get the Rays leadoff man chasing.
Taylor Rogers‘ Slider
https://gfycat.com/ForcefulWellwornBluejay
Now that we’ve seen the first out of yesterday’s Twins-Rays game, let’s review the final one. Taylor Rogers uses a filthy slider here on Brandon Lowe to close out the series sweep of the Rays, leaving Minnesota at the top of the baseball world with a 40-18 record.
Nick Pivetta’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/polisheddelayedachillestang
Nick Pivetta was nearly flawless yesterday, allowing just a handful of hits and striking out nine Dodgers over six innings. Pivetta utilized his steep curveball all day long, with this strikeout to Max Muncy being the filthiest of the bunch.
Rich Hill’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/ShinyJampackedGiraffe
So Nick Pivetta gets to be featured in two GIFs this morning! Unfortunately for Pivetta, he’s standing in the batter’s box this time around, as Rich Hill somehow manages to bend a curveball just onto the outside part of the plate to get him looking.
Zach Plesac’s Fastball
https://gfycat.com/ScentedConsiderateGeese
Zach Plesac put up a stellar performance on the mound yesterday, throwing a seven-inning gem against the White Sox. His fastball had excellent movement all day long, as you can see with this rising heater to get Eloy Jimenez striking out in the top of the fourth inning.
GIF of the Night
Which was your favorite pitch? Vote below, and the winner will be featured in the GIF of the First Quarter Contest.
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