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!
Kevin Gausman’s Splitter
https://gfycat.com/DetailedConsciousFlea
The only thing surprising about this phenomenal 85 mph split-finger fastball from Kevin Gausman to strike out Patrick Wisdom was that it was his only strikeout from the splitter across his strong six innings. His other eight Ks all came from his heater. It was his 200th strikeout of the season, however, so that’s appropriate. Absolutely filthy from the Giants ace.
Cole Irvin’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/PleasantBarrenJunebug
Another great outing from this season’s A’s diamond in the rough, Cole Irvin. Swervin’ Irvin was dealing to the tune of eight strikeouts through seven innings, giving up just two earned runs. Unfortunately, the A’s bullpen imploded once again and robbed him of a deserved win. Here is his beautiful 84 mph slider to fell Nick Solak.
Zack Wheeler’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/goodbreakableamoeba
The curveball is not a pitch that Zack Wheeler uses a lot for whiffs (in fact, he only throws it 10.7% of the time) but when he does it’s very pretty. Here is Charlie Blackmon being completely bamboozled by a perfectly located 81 mph curve.
Mike Wright Jr.’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/unitedbossyinsect
Thanks to PL+ member Pete Dixon for the heads up about this nasty offering from White Sox reliever Mike Wright Jr./a>. This lovely 86 mph slider forces veteran Enrique Hernandez to take a knee in appreciation. He has only thrown the slider 10% of the time in his rookie season. Maybe he should think about upping that. A nice slice for sure.
Corbin Burnes‘ Cutter
https://gfycat.com/CompassionateOfficialAmericancicada
A stunning display from Corbin Burnes, who struck out 14 hitters on his way to a combined no-no with Josh Hader. He started with a mean strikeout of Myles Straw with his trademark 96 mp cut-fastball. The location, the velocity, the late movement – completely unhittable. My nastiest pitch of the day vote lands here.
Josh Hader’s Four-Seam Fastball
https://gfycat.com/poisedeveryargusfish
After Burnes went eight phenomenal innings, Brewers closer Josh Hader backed him up immediately in the ninth with this vicious elevated 98 mph four-seam fastball to blow away Oscar Mercado. A nice way to come in and continue the domination. Hader would retire the next two batters with ease to complete the ninth no-hitter of the 2021 season. Nastily impressive!
Josiah Gray’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/vigilantrightbufeo
After his trade from the Dodgers, Josiah Gray is getting the innings and development he needs before the season is out. It is also a chance to continue to refine his devastating hard-curveball – here is the 84 mph ripper to ring up Ke’Bryan Hayes.
Michael Kopech’s Four-Seam Fastball
https://gfycat.com/firsthandidolizedalaskajingle
100mph heat with ridiculous movement from White Sox enigma Michael Kopech as he fools Travis Shaw for the strikeout. Pure nasty in its hottest form.
José Suarez’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/weeklyterribleaffenpinscher
A really solid outing from Angels starter José Suarez yesterday. That is something you can very rarely say but let’s show some love when it has been earned. That Astros lineup is no joke so Suarez did brilliantly to go 5 2/3 innings to get the win, giving up just one run and striking out seven. Here is a delightful 82 mph changeup to Jose Siri.
Brady Singer’s Sinker
https://gfycat.com/hatefulreadydinosaur
And what a beauty to finish up from Royals starter Brady Singer, who has really shown improvement this season. A darting 93 mph sinker high and inside to fell Josh Donaldson.
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns of Twitter)