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 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.
Steven Wright’s Knuckleball – We have seen our fair share of knuckleballs from R.A. Dickey and Wright this season, though this pitch may be the best of the year. Watch as the ball seemingly stops and dances left-and-right before darting back over the plate. Catcher Ryan Hanigan didn’t even come close to catching the pitch. (Thanks to @leftykevin for the tip!)
Ian Kennedy’s Fastball – There’s something incredibly settling and smooth about this pitch from Kennedy. Watch it start along the edge of the opposite batter’s box before gliding to the outside corner for the punchout.
Collin McHugh’s Curveball – McHugh had himself a night as he collected nine strikeouts while going the distance in Arizona. His Curveball has been the biggest catalyst for his success and this hook to Yasmany Tomas is a prime example of its effectiveness.
Carlos Martinez’s Changeup – It was a major step in the right direction for Martinez, shutting out the Brewers in eight frames. He mixed in all of his pitches effectively, and was able to throw this Changeup perfectly down-and-in to Hernán Pérez, earning one of his eight strikeouts.
Jeremy Hellickson’s Curveball – Hellickson has been a major surprise inside of the Phillies rotation, now holding excellent ratios of 9.19 K/9 and 1.98 BB/9. His Curveball has been major weapon, and he got Bryce Harper to swing right over a beautiful yacker for the second out in the fourth.
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.
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